Ceisteach, right, wins a three-way photo in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Leopardstown’s first race of the new flat season saw three horses hit the line in unison at the end of a mile and a quarter in the three-year-old fillies’ maiden, however, it was was Ceisteach who took the glory by a nose. Laraaj was well clear throughout, but upon turning into the home straight Kaleefa came with a sweeping run round the outside and looked ready to claim the spoils. Ode To Psyche on Kaleefa’s inside and Ceisteach on the far rail though proved tough nuts to crack as they started to mount their challenge.
Pat Smullen on board Kaleefa tried to get the filly ahead of her two rivals, but they kept finding more and as the three horses bore down on the line it was Ceisteach who was just in front under Kevin Manning at 7/1. She had been friendless in the market this morning drifting from 11/4 to 6/1.
Successful trainer Jim Bolger said: “You always have a bit of luck on your side when you come out on the right side of one of those. She’ll go for some black-type after that. She’ll stay a mile and a half very well.
“The owner (Craig Bernick) has a breeding operation in America. She’s intended as a broodmare.”
Kaleefa was returned the runner-up at 7/2 for Dermot Weld, while Ode To Psyche was narrowly beaten in third (by a nose and a short head) for Jessica Harrington and Niall McCullagh at 20/1.
She’s Mine was well backed down from 5s to 3/1 favourite in the betting ring and indeed from 13/2 before racing, however, she was out of the places in fifth.
Ceisteach holds entries in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Irish Oaks.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
