Michael Graham
Lee doubles up on Wild As The Wind
Billy Lee on board Wild As The Wind
© Photo Healy Racing
Billy Lee grabbed a Curragh double as he steered home well supported Wild As The Wind in the mile and one fillies' maiden.
The three-year-old filly was always in the front rank alongside Train Time before picking up sole leadracing past the two pole.
She appeared vulnerable to the closers but kept finding for Lee and nothing was able to reel her in as she posted a victory by a length and a quarter.
She was backed down from 25/1 to an SP of 12s. Flaming Sea the 2/1 favourite, had to settle for second with Train Time (7/1) a place further back.
Billy Lee said: "She has done it the hard way. When I went down she was very keen with me, I had to let her go on and let her settle into her stride and she was quite happy then.
"In fairness, when they were all coming around her she kept trying to pull out that bit more.
"She'll probably go into handicaps and she should hold her own."
Willie McCreery added: “She was just a little bit sweaty in the parade ring. She wears a hood at home. I didn't want to put it on her first time but she could maybe have done with it today.
“That wasn't what we wanted to do but he did the right thing by not fighting her the whole way. He let her run at her own pace and she was happy in front.
“In fairness to her she kept picking up and you can't knock her. Billy is a horseman and made the right decision.
“Frank (McNulty) bought the mare carrying her for only €3,000 so I'm delighted for him. He had Leah Claire with me who was a chestnut filly with a white face and was as tough as nails. If she's anywhere near as good she'll be alright.
“She's finished for the year. She's still very weak and we'll take our time with her.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson