Lanyard and Pat Smullen stride away from their rivals© Photo Healy Racing
Perhaps it was the combination of being an American-bred on debut on heavy ground that deterred punters from Lanyard #8217;s chances, but she didn’t know about these concerns as she won convincingly in Listowel.
Dermot Weld’s juvenile filly was as short as 13/8 this morning but won at 4/1 with Pat Smullen doing the steering. She found the lead with a furlong and a half to race and finished the job off in good style to win by five lengths.
“We liked her before the race, but I was fearful of the ground as she’s by an American sire, but she got through it well and has a bit of class,” Pat Smullen commented.
“She travelled well through the race and in those conditions it was a good performance. Hopefully she’s a nice filly for next year.” Princess Pearlita who had been well supported during the day, kept on stoutly from rear division to take second at 7/4, ahead of 5/4 favourite Craic Agus Spraoi
Dermot Weld is now six from 13 in two-year-old races at Listowel in the last five years.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
