Ladies Church and Ben Coen © Photo Healy Racing
Ladies Church (3/1) stamped her authority on the Listed Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes, coming through to lead over a furlong out and going on to readily defeat Pennine Hills (10/3) by two and a quarter lengths.
Middleham raider Sophie’s Star (7/2 into 9/4 favourite on the show) led early, racing wide of her rivals, but had to settle for third place in the end.
The Johnny Murtagh-trained winner, a daughter of Churchill who cost 160,000 Euros as a yearling, had won a maiden over the minimum distance at Tipperary on her previous start having started off over six furlongs when fourth at Cork.
Winning rider Ben Coen commented: “She was very good. Mark (Dobbin) is a new owner (for the yard) and I'm delighted to get one for him, he's invested a lot into Irish racing.
“She's improved again from Tipperary. I think she'll get six and I like her, I think she's smart.
“She picked up, then idled a bit when she got there. I think she's good and she can only get better as well.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
