Just Before and Seamie Heffernan centre win from Candleford Green (far Colin Keane)© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins newcomer Candleford Green threatened to grab victory from the jaws of defeat in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown but it was another Willie, Browne in this case, that had the last laugh courtesy of Just Before
Browne's brother Michael had a winner last night at Dundalk with The Cola Brasil and this Foxrock success for handler Willie wasn't unexpected as Just Before was supported from 14/1 into 8/1.
Winning jockey Seamie Heffernan was back in the Sue Magnier silks for this ride (one of four for the owner in the race), and he got enough from the now four times raced Just Before to hold off one of the 'finishers,' the aforementioned Candleford Green, by a short head.
“I was shocked when the handicapper gave her 74 and disappointed. I thought she was better than that and she is obviously,” said Browne.
“She's a filly that was supposed to go to Andre Fabre, he trained the mother, but she was quite weak in the spring and they very kindly left her with me and the rest is history. It's a fantastic win for me.
“We knew she'd have a chance. I don't know what kind of race that was but it's a Leopardstown maiden and she wants to go further than that.
“I wanted to avoid the filly in the first because she beat me the last day, so we came back a furlong.”
L.F. Roche, rider of Bella Isabella trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green and lugged right throughout.
M.W Hassett, rider of If Dora Could (GB), trained by W. Ross, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout.
(GC & EM)
