Cooley Stakes won by well supported 78-rated filly

Ireland's last stakes race of the year — Dundalk's Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cooley Stakes, provided an unusual result today with victory going to gambled 78-rated Many Tears (morning 28/1 — returned 17/2), for trainer Ger Lyons.

Ridden by five-times champion jockey Colin Keane, the Showcasing-filly gained a course win on October 13 but while beaten from a rating of 79 just ten days later, today stepped up to a mile for the first time.

Held up off the pace, Many Tears made her headway racing along the stand's side rail in the home straight, improving to lead in the closing stages to beat Didn'thavemuchtodo by two and a quarter lengths.

Afterwards Shane Lyons, representing his brother, reported “the top-rated horse was 98 but you know the old adage 'if your not in you can’t win'. Colin was brilliant, took his time from a wide draw and she was very impressive.

“Colin loved her at the start of the year and she’s grown another leg on this ground. She’s so honest which is half the battle. We ran her on every type of ground and that caught her out but we’ve found out that she loves the all-weather. A mile is probably ideal but she has enough speed for seven.

“She has an entry in the sales and black type is massive for a well-bred filly. A decision will have to be made now on whether she goes to the sales or if she goes and isn't getting well paid, there is always next year.”

Quotes from Alan Magee