Maria Richert, Gary Phillips and Excelli© Photo Healy Racing
Curragh-based Swedish-native Maria Richert trained her first winner when Excelli (14/1) landed the Audi Sligo Apprentice Handicap from the front under Gary Phillips.
The successful chestnut displayed race winning potential earlier in the year, with some decent performances at Dundalk, and here he shed his maiden tag on outing number eleven over this ten furlong trip.
Though racing from just a lowly 47 rating, it was a commendable performance from Excelli as he kept up a good gallop in the straight to defeat Lomi's Law by two and a quarter lengths.
"He's been a little bit unlucky lately but everything came right tonight. He loved the track," said Richert.
"My cousin owns him, and bred him in Galway, so it's a family affair.
"I train on the Curragh. I have just two horses, for now, and I'm open for more. I've had the licence since February.
"I'm originally from Sweden and rode as an amateur there with nine winners on the track."
T.P. Madden, rider of Myamo trained by Shane Nolan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount raced keenly and his saddle slipped.
R. Coakley, rider of Palace Art trained by Peter Casey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't act on the course or today's going.
(GC & EM)
