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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Lucida impresses on her debut

Mon 4th Aug 2014, 14:43

Lucida and Kevin Manning winning in NaasLucida and Kevin Manning winning in Naas
© Photo Healy Racing

Lucida made a storming start to her career with a victory in the Frank Kenny race for two-year-olds over six furlongs at Naas.

The daughter of Shamardal travelled well in third before taking the initiative from Dandyleekie over a furlong from home. She readily quickened away from her four rivals to win cosily by a length and three parts on this her racecourse debut.

Fellow newcomer Compass Hill took second at 25/1, backed in from 33/1 at the track. Dandyleekie dropped to third 100 yards from the finish. Cape Clear Island the 4/5 favourite, was pushed along before halfway and never looked like threatening the leaders as he came home fourth of the five runners.

Trainer Jim Bolger said: “She’s good. She has got an interesting pedigree and is related to Helen Street. She seems to have inherited all the best traits.

“For the moment I’ll keep her off firm but after that I don’t think it’s an issue. She’s my only entry in the Cheveley Park and that’s my long-term aim. She could go for something in the meantime, but we’ve nothing planned.”

The Godolphin-owned filly was returned at 8/1, having been backed from 18/1 to 9/1 this morning. She holds a Group One entry in the Moyglare Stud Stakes and Cheveley Park Stakes and a Group 2 engagement in the Debutante Stakes.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Cape Clear Island, trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
8/1
Tote €8.20 €2.20
2nd
1.75L
25/1
€5.20
3rd
0.75L
7/4
4th
2L
4/5Fav
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.