Alpha Centauri and Colm O Donoghue © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Jessica Harrington’s golden run of form continued at Naas today as her Alpha Centauri justified strong market support (5/1 this morning in to 2/1f) to win the opening No Nay Never Irish EBF (Fillies) Maiden, under jockey Colm O’Donoghue.
The daughter of Mastercraftsman broke well and made virtually all the running for an impressive win over Actress
Afterwards Harrington, whose Sizing John completed a famous Irish/Cheltenham/Punchestown Gold Cups treble on Wednesday, stated “
I must have a mole in my yard because everyone knew about her!” said Harrington.
“What was worrying me was the size of her. She's the biggest two-year-old I have.
“When she came to me before Christmas she weighed 530 kilos which is heavier than most of the jumpers. I sent them back three times to weigh her because I said 'you must have got it wrong'.
“She still weighs over 500 kilos and it's amazing how big she is. She just has a relentless stride.
“She has plenty of pace but you'd imagine she'll be better over longer as she's out of a Caerleon mare. We'll see where we go now. She loved that ground.”
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
