Clounmacon gets the better of Aussie Girl© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Murtagh's apparent second-string, Clounmacon ran on strongly for Shane Foley to claim the Listed Yeomanstown Stud Irish EBF Stakes at Naas.
British-raider Radio Goo Goo ploughed a lone furrow on the far side with the rest of the field using the stands' side. Aussie Girl led the main group in this valuable sprint over an extended five furlongs with Cloumacon in rear.
The leader was ridden a furlong and a-half down and tried to see them all off, however, Clounmacon (in first-time cheekpieces) made good headway to close inside the final furlong.
Her progress saw her pass Aussie Girl in the closing stages and she hit the line three-parts of a length to the good at 8/1.
Runner-up Aussie Girl went off a well supported 6/4 favourite and she was two and a-half lengths clear of My Eyes Adore You (10/1).
“It's not a complete surprise. She was too keen in Royal Ascot, I fancied her for the handicap there, but she was very keen and she was probably on the wrong side,” said Murtagh.
“I thought coming back to six (would suit), although I was a little bit worried about the ground. 'Dusty' (Shane Foley) said she handled it well, she got away with it today.
“I always thought she had plenty of ability, she travels really strongly. Seven furlongs on fast ground is probably ideal conditions for her.
“She's won a stakes race now so it's absolutely great for Maurice (Regan) and his broodmare band. We've got a few nice horses for Newtown Anner and I'm delighted to get a Listed winner for them.
“We might stick in her in a fillies' Group 3 now over seven and please-God we can find another one for her.”
Clounmacon's other victory came in a median auction maiden on the Polytrack at Dundalk in April.
Murtagh also ran Lady Onyx (4/1) who finished seventh after a less than clear route.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
