Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- irishracing.com
- Cheltenham
- News
- Mona smiling after winning opener at Thurles
Gary Carson
Mona smiling after winning opener at Thurles
Mona Lisa's Smile and Wayne Lordan
© Photo Healy Racing
Mona Lisa's Smile produced a game front-running performance to land the first Flat contest run at Thurles in over a decade.
The Ballydoyle filly bounced out in front in the mile fillies maiden that opened proceedings at the Tipperary track this afternoon but was soon harried for the lead. Fiadhna disputed approaching halfway but Wayne Lordan kicked on again over two furlongs out on Mona Lisa Smile.
The daughter of War Front kept on well in the closing stages to post a two length win at odds of 7/1.
4/1 favourite Syrena gave chase in the closing stages but was eventually pipped for second close home by Fujimoto Flyer
Lordan said afterwards:- “It's nice to be back and the track rides well. I rode a filly with lots of experience, she jumped well and I got to the front which is a help around here.
"I had a good draw, the filly had loads of experience and Aidan said just to get her out good and forward and I hit the gates well. It all worked out well.
"I rode four or five winners here in the past."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)