Empress Lyla was claimed following her win in the opening Gowran Park (Fillies) Claiming Race at Gowran today, which was a third career success for the Sheila Lavery trained filly.

Ridden by Gary Carroll, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor, a winner two starts ago at the Galway festival, displayed admirable battling qualities to eventually shake off the persistent challenge of Dochasach close home.

Both the winner and runner-up Dochasach were each claimed for their same E15,000 price-tag, with Gerald Murphy claiming winner Empress Lyla, to go into training with Tom Cleary, and S. Mulvany claiming Dochasach, who will be trained by Garvan Donnelly.

Before Empress Lyla was claimed, Lavery stated “she loves that ground and Gary (Carroll) said he knew she’d battle once the runner-up came to her. I love a horse that tries that hard.”

Lavery indicated Empress Lyla would venture to Listowel next, but that option is now open to her new connections.

Quotes from Alan Magee