Sussex Garden and Shane Foley (centre) win from Hazel (right) and Perfect Sign© Photo Healy Racing
Sussex Garden struck on debut in the Free Eagle Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at Naas for Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley.
Foley of course had a 13,218/1 four-timer here on June 8th, and like he did that afternoon the Kilkenny man bided his time well on the Cormac O’Flynn-owned victor.
She finished off best to touch off favourite Hazel by a neck.
Sussex Garden chased the leaders on the rail, and she was third at the halfway stage.
Ridden in fourth over a furlong out, the winner was soon switched right. From there she ran on well to challenge in the last fifty yards, before leading close home.
“You would have to be delighted with that. Cormac O’Flynn bought her as he knew we had the sister Justina. She has a lot more size and scope than Justina," said Mrs Harrington's daughter Kate.
“Debbie (Flavin) led her up. She broke her and rides her every day. She was associated with Alpha Centauri and she has Alpine Star running in the Coronation Stakes in a few minutes so hopefully that could be a nice double!
“We thought this filly could be one for the Albany earlier in the year but with coronavirus she didn’t get there. She’s smart.
“She was held in for a long way and stumbled after hitting a ridge in the straight but did it well. She’s well above average.”
The Stewards enquired into an incident about 200 yards from the finish involving Perfect Sign ridden by B.M. Coen, placed fourth and Sussex Garden, ridden by S. Foley, placed first, where it appeared that contact was made when Sussex Garden manoeuvered out to make a challenge.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that any interference caused was accidental in nature and took no further action.
(AM & EM)
