James McAuley (right) with Sister Lola and Meishar; also pictured Jimmy Gough© Photo Healy Racing
Sister Lola benefitted from a patient ride by Shane Foley to lead home a 1-2 for owner/trainer James McAuley in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap at Dundalk.
The Slade Power filly won three times for Eddie Lynam earlier this year before being claimed by current connections and has now won five times in total in 2021.
The 3/1 favourite, available at 9/1 overnight, gradually switched across in the straight to challenge on the outer inside the final furlong and collared stablemate Meishar in the closing stages.
Three-quarters-of-a-length separated the pair at the line with Dream Today just a nose further back in third.
McAuley said, “I couldn't pick between the two of them beforehand.
“Sam (Ewing) had said that the horse that led would go a fair lick so I wasn't sure how that would suit Meishar but the quicker they went the more it was going to help Sister Lola.
“Funnily enough Shane said from two-and-a-half out he had no doubt he'd get there as he was only nursing her into it. I thought she was going nowhere for a while but she picks up plenty.
“She's been unbelievable. It looks reckless running her every week but we weigh her every week. I know that doesn't tell you everything, and when she's heavier this week than she was last week she's obviously not having too hard a time of it.”
