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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Espere starts her career off with a win

Tue 15th May 2018, 18:43

Espere approaches the winning post in KillarneyEspere approaches the winning post in Killarney
© Photo Healy Racing

Newcomer Espere completely missed the break but came home strongly to land the median auction fillies' race for Ger Lyons.

The Elusive Pimpernel filly soon tacked onto the back of the field as House Call set the fractions from High Street Lady

House Call was still boxing on a furlong and a half out but Espere began making headway on the outside.

She moved into second approaching the final furlong and collared House Call as they raced past the '1' pole.

Coilin Keane 's mount asserted in the closing stages to come in by two lengths at 8/1.

House Call (9/4) held second by a head from 6/4 favourite Aiseolas who won in Gowran Park last week.

Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: "I'm delighted with that and she is by a stallion (Elusive Pimpernel) which we adore and we can't get enough of them. He is throwing great guts and presence into his horses and Mrs Patino obviously owns this horse and the sire so it's a massive plus.

"This race was an ideal race for her as she was going to get an allowance from the winners and 3lbs for not having had a run and we like her.

"She'll want 1m2f in time but this was ideal to start her off. She was green and will come on a tonne from it."

Regarding the split with Qatar, Lyons said: "Our eight Qatar Racing owned horses left us today.

"We'll just move on after that and the horses are gone to all their respective trainers. We're just moving on now and there's no hard feelings whatsoever."

Another newcomer, Every Breath swerved leaving the stalls and unseated Chris Hayes who was uninjured in the incident.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.