Hermana Estrella (right) beating Quick Suzy© Photo Healy Racing
Hermana Estrella belied odds of 50/1 for a shock win on debut in the Group 3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes at Naas. Contarelli Chapel was all the rage following a wildly impressive debut win over course and distance last month but the 2/7 favourite struggled on this rain-softened ground and could only manage fourth. Quick Suzy lived up to her name showing great speed throughout and looked a likely winner over a furlong out.
However, the Fozzy Stack-trained Hermana Estrella was patiently-ridden by Chris Hayes and came through strongly inside the final furlong to get on top close home by a length.
The pair pulled five and a half lengths clear of Missing Matron in third.
Hayes said, “She’s a very smart filly and Fozzy doesn’t make entries like that unless they are good.
“She’s one of our nicer two-year-olds. She was green and raw as you would expect going against experienced company but to me I was coasting and everything was going in slow motion.
“When Ryan’s horse faded away I wanted to chase after Gary. She was green and ran around but won with her ears pricked. She is one to look forward to.
“I sat on her twice at home. Mark Enright has been riding her in a bit of work and we have always held her in high regard. That’s why she had that entry.”
Paddy Power and Betfair both introduced the winner at 10/1 for the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.
