Angel makes a lovely start at Roscommon

Trainer Michael O'Callaghan supplied the first and third in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Fillies Maiden at Roscommon.

Twelve to one newcomer Military Angel led home 80-rated favourite, Devonshire and her stable companion Blue Fragrance (5/1) by a length and three parts and two lengths.

Fran Berry gave Military Angel a patient steer from her draw widest of all in fifteen. He could even afford to lose his whip inside the last on the way to a convincing victory.

Seamie Heffernan was okay after a nasty spill from Costello's For Fun around the bottom bends whilst the morning market-mover Burn The Bond had to settle for fourth place.

The victorious daughter of brilliant American performer, Big Brown, prompted O'Callaghan to say: "She's a very nice filly. I really, really liked her coming here but she was drawn fifteen in Roscommon Square!

"She's very sharp out of the gates. Jim Ryan did a great job pre-training her and he had all that work done for us. Obviously the most important thing is she won for her owners.

"She is owned by some very good people and they also have Military Attack. This is my first horse for them. She is very closely related to Alexander Goldrun so she is very well-bred filly."

The Curragh-based handler also disclosed: "Fran said the ground was plenty quick enough for her there. He dropped his stick at the furlong pole and he said she's green but very nice. We might put her away now if the owners let me."

On third home, Blue Fragrance, he commented: "She sharpened up a lot from her last run in Dundalk behind Qualify and Fergal (Lynch) said we could nearly drop her back to six now. She is in the sales."

The Stewards enquired into the fall of Costello's For Fun, ridden by J.A. Heffernan , before the turn into the straight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he slipped up independently after leaving the back straight, when running wide off the rails.

He added that the course was in very good condition and did not appear in any way slippy. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that his charge was not wearing hind shoes as she is very difficult to shoe. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Costello's For Fun and confirmed that she was not shod behind.

Having considered the evidence and viewed a recording of the race, the Stewards were of the opinion that the fall was accidental, they did however, refer the matter to The Turf Club for their views and recommendations regarding requirements to wear shoes.

(DM & EM)