Sioux Spirit was the 16/1 winner of the ARKequine derbymed Handicap at Naas today, scoring for trainer Ken Condon, jockey Bill Lee and the Cinco Partnership.

Previously successful in a Navan maiden last August, the three-year-old had finished last of five at Listowel on her previous run on June 3 but today raced with the pace and beat runner-up Aussie Girl by a length and a half.

Condon reported “she ran poorly at Listowel on her last start over a mile but her run prior to that was encouraging at the Curragh, in a big field Guineas weekend handicap.

“The handicapper had allowed her a few pounds but she's just one you wouldn't be entirely sure of, to be quite frank, as she has a couple of ways of running. When she puts it together she's quite useful. She's a decent type of filly but thinks about things.”

He added “today she got a bit of room, got a nice lead and had space. It was a good effort. “Billy is adamant that she's one that needs the revs up the whole time - when you try and ride a race on her it maybe gives her too much time to think and sprint racing seems to suit her.

“There is a fillies handicap here on July 8th so I'd say that's where she'll go next. She likes nice fast ground so we'll keep her going during the summer. From now on will be a bonus with her and it's nice to get another win with her.”

Quotes from Gary Carson