Fly Girl wins under Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Jockey’s championship leader Shane Foley rode his 50th winner of the campaign when scoring aboard Fly Girl (11/8 favourite) in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Maiden at Leopardstown.
Fourth on debut at this venue over a mile three weeks back, Fly Girl showed the benefit of having that experience, soon in front and she was still travelling well entering the straight.
A daughter of The Gurkha the victor was pushed along and was two lengths clear a furlong out.
Keeping on well Fly Girl was ridden with a reduced advantage in the closing stages, holding off the promising first-timer, Messidor who was nearest at the finish, by half a length. Quattroelle didn’t get a clear run over a furlong out and she was a neck back in third.
“She had a nice run here the first time but I ran her over a mile and I don't think she really got home,” said winning trainer Jessica Harrington.
“Shane said she was pretty green in front today but she did it well. She had been in front a long time.
“Richard (Barnes, owner) is my next door neighbour and I've had horses for him for a long time.”
S. Foley, rider of Fly Girl trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ducked right after the road crossing.
(GC & EM)
