Important win for well-bred Peacehaven
Peacehaven and Connor King get the better of Nuala Tagula and Killian Leonard
© Photo Healy Racing
We had an in-form handler take the first when Sheila Lavery landed the spoils, and Johnny Murtagh also has his string in fine form. Murtagh captured race two at Naas when Peacehaven came out on top under Connor King in the Grace's Pub Naas Supporting Naas Parish Community Maiden.
The colours of Inistioge County Kilkenny-based Ballygallon Stud Limited have been carried to success at the highest level elsewhere, but they haven't been seen on a winner in Ireland for some time.
Here recent French-import Peacehaven (9/4 favourite from 11/4 and fitted with a tongue-strap) was always to the fore and she was game in fending off Nuala Tagula by half a length.
Murtagh explained afterwards: "She's come over from France and we are still learning about her. Connor said seven furlongs was too far the last day (at Fairyhouse 10 days back).
"She doesn't look like a sprinter but has plenty of pace, and we'll probably stick to five and six furlongs now. She's very tough and genuine, and is starting to settle into our place now.
"She's very well-bred and it was a very important win for her. The horses are in a purple patch at the moment, and long may it continue."
R.D. Dolan, rider of Ladys Choice trained by Peter McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount dwelt in stalls and missed the break.
Madeleine Tylicki, trainer of Nutini reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge coughed post race and scoped abnormally.
(AM & EM)