Sindhia wins under Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
The Dubai Duty Free Summer Fillies Handicap had its unlucky stories but one to avoid trouble in running and come out on top was Sindhia for Michael Halford and Ronan Whelan at the Curragh.
The likes of Mia Mento (2nd), French Rain (3rd), Marbling (6th) and Mary Salome (10th) will justifiably have their supporters again after their efforts here. However it was the Aga Khan’s Sindhia that gained the day on this occasion, by half a length.
She was held up, made progress under two furlongs out, and ridden into fourth a furlong out Sindhia kept on well to get to the front in the last fifty yards.
“She’s not the most straight-forward filly. She’s got plenty of talent. You can see from her head-gear she wears a muzzle,” said Whelan.
“Sue Shortt at home does a great job with her.
“In fairness to Pat Downes (manager of the Aga Khan’s Irish Studs) he was keen to keep her in training and it’s paid off.”
Meanwhile Halford stated: “She’s a smashing filly and I asked Pat (Downes, Aga Khan’s Irish Studs manager)to keep her in training which you wouldn’t do too often with a filly with her rating.
“I always felt the best was yet to come with her. She’s a half-sister to Sonaiyla who improved greatly at four and I felt this filly had the potential to do that.
“Seven furlongs is a good trip for her and I felt this track would bring out the best in her. This was the plan in the back of my head for a long time.
“Ronan did well to find his way through. She wears a chifney bit and a net to help her settle. I said to Ronan to get cover wherever you can and then ride your race. Luckily the gaps came for her.
“It’s great to get a winner here this weekend and especially for His Highness who has been a great supporter of ours, and especially a filly like her when you stick your neck out to keep her in training at four. Hopefully there is more to come from her.”
M.P. Sheehy, rider of Deidra trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left for the last furlong.
(AM & EM)
