Lustown Baba and Leigh Roche © Photo Healy Racing
The TRM Waterford Testimonial Stakes (Listed) went to the 5/2 second favourite Lustown Baba ridden by Leigh Roche.
After her facile win in handicap company at this track four days previously, the grey confirmed herself to be a thriving and progressive filly when coming through to lead over a furlong out.
She ran on to beat Could Be King by a comfortable two and a quarter lengths with her stablemate Downforce (22/1) grabbing third spot ahead of the 2/1 favourite Make A Challenge
It was a fourth career win for the daughter of Alhebayeb who came good around the same time of year in 2019 when winning twice including the valuable Foran Equine Auction Race Series Final. She’s been a great money-spinner for a filly bought for just E12,000 as a yearling.
Winning trainer Willie McCreery said: “That ground was holding today but Leigh (Roche) said she loved it.
“I thought she was a bit too far back but Declan (McDonogh, rode stablemate Downforce) said they went very hard early on so it probably suited her.
“I thought she did it well there, she loved that ground and is an improving filly. She's an exciting filly for next year.
“It was tacky today, Leigh was out the back but there is no muck on him.
“The syndicate were patient with us last year and have been patient this year as they were looking for races during the summer but I said 'lads we can't run this one on quick ground yet as she's a big filly and needs more time'.
“Their patience has paid off. I'm delighted for Finn Sheedy, who bred her, as I think that's the first black-type in the family.
“That's it for the year, she's after having two quick runs. I thought she was far relaxed today and what more could we ask of her.
“We'll have plenty of time next year for her. She's a fine big filly.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
