Pearl Jewel and Gary Carroll © Photo Healy Racing
Not for the first time, Gary Carroll rode a fine tactical race when partnering the Chris Timmons trained Pearl Jewel to win the concluding DundalkStadium.com Fillies & Mares Maiden.
The most experienced filly in the race with seven previous starts, the daughter of Free Eagle held leading claims from a mark of 76.
However, with market leader Liltia rated a pound higher, Carroll rode a fine race to expose the latter's suspect stamina over this extended trip.
Tracking leader Lagoon Nebula for the first mile or so, Carroll made a race winning move when taking over entering the straight, kicking for home in order to make this a strong test.
Billy Lee tried to cover the move on the 6/5f but the petrol gauge began to flicker over a furlong out as the Willie McCreery trained filly had no more to give.
Pearl Jewel galloped on strongly to win by two-and-a-quarter-lengths.
Chris Timmons said: "She has (stayed the 1m4f well) and she has been very consistent.
"She has been running well in defeat, so it is nice to see her get her head in front.
"He (Carroll) said she was maybe getting a little bit lonely, but he felt nothing was going to get past her.
"I'd be keen to maybe leave her alone now until January, give her a bit of break. She deserves a break at this stage.
"We will reassess in January.
"She kind of had a few health issues during the summer, she was scoping wrong and stuff. They (owners) have had to be patient, but I'm delighted for them and the filly. They both deserve it."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
