Sumptuary Law (far side) fights out the finish with Alabama Calling© Photo Healy Racing
On what was her turf debut, Sumptuary Law completed a Leopardstown treble for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
With her four previous efforts all coming at Dundalk, the Holy Roman Emperor three-year-old proved easy-to-back this evening and went off an 11/1 chance (5s early), on what was her initial try in handicap company.
Nicely positioned behind the leaders on the rail, the Cian Kennedy-owned bay was involved in a brief barging match with less than two-furlongs to go, as she attempted to come with her challenge between rivals.
Once in the clear she was pushed along to lead inside the final 200 yards, keeping on well when ridden in the closing stages to prevail by half-a-length.
Also returned at 11/1, Alabama Calling had every chance but couldn't match winner and had to settle for second under James Ryan.
The Sheila Lavery-trained Toriangel (11/2) was another length away in third, while Concluding Call (7/2 favourite) could only manage sixth.
"That was grand, there's not much of her but she was fit and ready to do it," Lyons, who was earlier on the mark with Transcending and Mutasarref commented.
"I said to Colin the one thing I knew she was, was honest. She'll get a mile-and-a-quarter and that's her grade. As long as he's (handicapper) not too hard on her there's another one in her.
"She's 400 kilo if she's a pound but she's honest. She's thriving and you can't beat those Holy Roman Emperors when they are honest."
STEWARDS REPORTS
S. Foley, rider of Everylittlestep trained by Yvonne Latta, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away from the stalls.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Sumptuary Law, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first, and Alabama Calling, ridden by J.J.G. Ryan, placed second, where it appeared that contact was made on several occasions. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C.T. Keane stated that Mr. Ryan's mount rolled around and he took a gap without barging when it appeared. J.J. G. Ryan stated that his mount ran very green, rolled around and got caught for pace which allowed Mr. Keane to ride into space. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to either rider and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
