Nectarine (Luke McAteer) beats Black Pepper (Colin Keane)© Photo Healy Racing
After just waving goodbye to their super-star, Poetic Flare, as he heads for stallion duties in Japan, the Jim Bolger team struck at Leopardstown today through the Luke McAteer-ridden Nectarine (16/5) in the Hazel Avenue Nursery Handicap.
The successful Parish Hall filly dwelt, before soon taking up a position chasing the leaders.
Ridden and going second two furlongs out, Nectarine led a furlong and a half out. She was strongly pressed inside the final furlong, staying on well close home to beat Black Pepper by half a length.
Jessica Harrington trains Black Pepper, and she also suppled the bronze medallist, Supagirl (3/1 favourite) three lengths back.
“She’s run well in a few nurseries and she loved that ground today. Hopefully next year she can pick up and go again," said McAteer.
“The mile was no problem to her and she gave me a lovely ride. They went a good gallop and she picked up nice.”
The Stewards reviewed an incident shortly after the start involving Black Pepper, ridden by C.T. Keane, Sir Allen (GB), ridden by A.J. Slattery, and Supagirl, ridden by S. Foley, where it appeared that horses bunched up on the outer. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards decided that no further action was warranted.
C.T. Keane, rider of Black Pepper trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount had a look coming to the road.
(AM & EM)
