Jealika (No 5) stays on best under Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Jealika showed her love for testing conditions yet again, as she took the Feale Handicap under Shane Foley for Mark Fahey.
Successful at the Festival twelve months ago, the daughter of Diamond Green also won on heavy ground at Limerick in April.
Her three efforts since were disappointing, but with conditions in her favour today she added another victor to her name.
Settled towards rear by Foley, the five-year-old filly had just two horses behind her as they entered the home straight.
She soon made progress through the field, and really got going inside the final furlong, hitting the front inside the final 100 yards, staying on strongly to score by two lengths. Enter The Red and Botanical Lady were sent off the 7/2 joint-favourites, and they finished second and third respectively, with half a length separating them.
The winner was available at 11/1 last night, but went as short as 10/3 this morning, before easing on track to a starting price of 5/1.
Mark Fahey said afterwards: "Ground is a big factor to her as she grows a leg on heavy ground. She is very tough, has a heart of gold and has to be ridden from off the pace as she loves passing horses."
The winner is owned by Jean Bird who also bred the successful bay.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed John G. Carr, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Mattydillon (GB).
Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that Ciaran O'Toole, Jockeys Agent, had secured a booking last Saturday for C.P. Hoban to ride this animal.
C.P. Hoban became unavailable before the deadline for nomination of riders at noon yesterday morning and for various reasons the jockeys agent was unable to make direct contact with the trainer but left messages.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards referred this matter to the CEO of the Turf Club for further investigation.
S.M.Duffy, trainer of Roryslittlesister reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was struck into in running.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
