La Isla Mujeres and Billy Lee pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
On just her second start for Paddy Twomey and Moyglare Stud Farm, La Isla Mujeres landed the feature at Roscommon this evening, the Listed Watch Racing TV Irish EBF Lenebane Stakes.
Twice successful last summer when in the care of Ralph Beckett, the Lope De Vega four-year-old changed hands for 330,000 pounds at the Tattersalls UK December Mares Sale.
Fifth on her debut for current connections in the Orby Stakes at the Curragh, the bay victor was sent off a 7/2 chance this evening and was soon settled in second by Billy Lee, who was earlier successful on Gosford
Sent to the front with two furlongs to go, she readily increased her advantage and came home three-and-a-half lengths to the good.
While the outsider of the field at 16/1, Cristal Clere kept on well to take second under Colin Keane for John Nallen, while the Joseph O'Brien pair of Deakin (2/1f) and Raise You (3/1) both disappointed, with the latter trailing home in last.
"She had some nice form last year and I knew she'd come on plenty for her first run," said Twomey.
"The ground was a bit tight that day at the Curragh and I hadn't killed her going there as she had a couple of hard years with Ralph (Beckett) and I wanted to give her a chance.
"They are a good farm and she was bought as a potential broodmare to add to their band. It was important she got black-type and she has, which is fantastic.
"She's a Listed winner now so we'll have a look at a fillies Group 3 somewhere, probably a mile-and-a-half.
"She has a bit of pedigree and she has plenty of ability so we'll pick our spots carefully.
"She has form on the all-weather and grass. I'd say she didn't like it as fast as it was at the Curragh on Guineas weekend.
"It's good here but it's sort of West of Ireland good and that suited her."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Raise You, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
D.P. McDonogh, rider of Deakin (FR), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount slipped leaving the stalls.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
