Empress Josephine and Seamie Heffernan© Photo Healy Racing
Ballydoyle made it a treble on the day at Naas, as following on from Tenebrism and Broome Aidan O’Brien and Seamie Heffernan were at it again in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden with the very exciting first-timer Empress Josephine (3/1).
A sister to dual Classic heroine and seven time Group One winner overall, Minding, Empress Josephine raced in touch here, and she was fifth at the halfway stage.
She made progress between horses over a furlong out, getting to the front in the final hundred and fifty yards, ridden out to account for New York Angel by a length and a quarter.
“She’s a sister to Minding and you’d be delighted with her. That was a lovely start for her and she’ll stay further,” said O’Brien.
“Minding was unusual in that she went from a mile to a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half and then back to a mile.
“Seamus was very happy with her. We didn’t get her out last year. It was a bit of a mess with a few of them stopping and starting and she was one of them.
“She’ll have an option now of going to Leopardstown for a Guineas Trial or waiting a bit longer.”
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Blazing Star (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, and New York Angel, ridden by B.M. Coen, where it appeared Blazing Star (GB) had to check.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C.T. Keane stated that when his filly tired close home it got a little tight and he took a precautionary check to ensure she didn't catch heels.
B.M. Coen stated that as he quickened up by Mr. Keane his filly dived in, he put his whip down at the 50 yard pole and straightened up.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found B.M. Coen in breach of Rule 214 (Careless Riding) and having taken his record into account suspended him for 1 race day.
(AM & EM)
