Speedster Cheek makes it two from two

Bear Cheek made it two from two as she took the Group Three Curragh Stakes under Colin Keane for his boss Ger Lyons and owners Qatar Racing Limited.

The daughter of Kodaic impressed when winning on her debut at Naas last month and she was sent off the 13/8 favourite this afternoon (from 3's last night).

Settled in second she was ridden over a furlong out and soon swept through to lead, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by a length and a half. Independence Day (2/1) couldn't match the winner inside the final furlong and he finished second under Wayne Lordan for David Wachman while Blood Moon (20/1) was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Gary Carroll also for Ger Lyons.

Ger Lyons, who won this race with Ainippe twelve months ago, said afterwards: "She's a little bundle of speed - she's all speed at the moment and five furlongs is her trip.

"We'll keep the lid on her and switch her off and start again when she comes home.

"The problems is that over this trip in Ireland there are no races for them. I'll study the programme abroad.

"We went to Doncaster last year (with Ainippe) but it didn't work out. She's faster than her though.

"We're after landing a Group 3 and it's fantastic but there were no races after she won her maiden in Naas and she had to come straight into a group race.

"If you are not that good it's hard but we thought she was that good and she's done it well.

"She has a lovely temperament at home but I thought she was a little buzzy today. I don't want to blow her head and with her speed we might concentrate on next year. I'll discuss it with the lads."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed Gavin Faulkner, rider of Iyiyiangel concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Gavin Faulkner was in breach of R10(3)(b) by using his whip when out of contention and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his clean previous record into consideration.

Gavin Faulkner, rider of Iyiyiangel, trained by Niall Moran, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was in season.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson