Ocean Jewel and Billy Lee.© Photo Healy Racing
Local trainer Willie McCreery enjoyed big race success right on his own doorstep when Ocean Jewel stayed on best under Billy Lee to win the Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh.
Having her first start since last September, the four-year-old had yet to prove conclusively that she stayed the mile but answered those doubts in impressive fashion with this authoritative display.
Held up in mid division for the early part of the race, as Girl Racer cut out the running from Goldana Ocean Jewel moved closer down the centre over two furlongs out.
At the same time, warm favourite Rogue Millenium was trapped on the inside rail with nowhere to go. Despite the best efforts of Dylan Browne McMonaghle, the gaps just never opened, as she eventually came home in third.
With Girl Racer and Goldana coming under pressure just inside the final furlong, Ocean Jewel swept through to lead, going on to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths.
Billy Lee said: "She is a nice mare. She travelled all the way through the race.
"She was in my hands a bit. Travelled really strongly.
"My only worry was would she stay the mile. She got it well, so I'm delighted."
Winning trainer Willie McCreery added: “They went no gallop and she was a bit fresh early on but Billy got her settled and she finished out well. I’m delighted with that.
“We’ll go on to Royal Ascot now for the Duke Of Cambridge.
“She’s won a Group 3 and a Group 2 now and that’s very important as she’s well bred and it’s great for Al Shira’aa Farms.
“The owners have been very patient and have waited since the Matron for this. I said to wait for good ground.
“There were a few races that we probably should have entered her in but she would have had to carry a Group 3 penalty and I just said it wasn’t fair on her and we’d wait for this and it would be a nice pipe-opener for Royal Ascot.
“She stayed the mile well. Once she settles early, she’ll stay it no bother.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
Paddy Power introduced Ocean Jewel into their Duke Of Cambridge Stakes market at 16/1.
