Number 9 Champers Elysees comes through to win the 4th event at the Curragh under Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
A great weekend for Shane Foley got better when he doubled his Curragh score on Champers Elysees in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race.
Victorious for his boss Jessica Harrington on Millisle in the Group One Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket yesterday, Foley won the opener on this card on Kieran Cotter’s Kondratiev Wave
The Graiguenamanagh man brought to an end a frustrating afternoon for trainer Johnny Murtagh on Champers Elysees (5/2).
Murtagh supplied the beaten odds-on favourite Koolasice in the opener. The stable’s Know It All then looked all over a winner before having to settle for third in the Group Three Weld Park Stakes.
Foley had to switch out on Champers Elysees to deliver her with her winning burst.
She beat the favourite Johan Zoffani (looked a winner when moving sweetly to the front in the final quarter mile) by three parts of a length.
The other towards the head of the market, Xian Express was a head back in third.
“She’s a nice filly and is improving all the time. She ran a cracker in the sales race last time and Shane said she’s got a good turn of foot," said Murtagh.
“We were worried about the ground but she got through it well. She’ll probably go for the Foran Series Final now at Naas.
“I was sick after the Group 3 (Weld Park Stakes) as I thought we had it (with Know It All). I thought she was home and hosed but she’s a big filly and just tied up a little bit.
“That’s probably it for the year with her. She’s a big girl and I think she will strengthen up.”
The Stewards enquired into an incident about two furlongs from the finish involving Franklin Street ridden by D. O'Brien, placed fourth and Waterville Lady ridden by C.P. Hoban, placed fifth, where it appeared that Waterville Lady checked when Franklin Street made an outward manouevre when challenging. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards advised D. O'Brien to ride with more care.
(AM & EM)
