Yaxeni too strong for rivals in Vintage Tipple Stakes

Yaxeni made most of the running under Colin Keane to run out a gallant winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Vintage Tipple Stakes(Listed Race)(Fillies & Mares) at Gowran Park.

Last seen when no match for leading stayer Trueshan at Nottingham in April, the Ger Lyons trained mare was much more like her old self here, digging deep in the straight to fend off all challenges.

Third in this race 12 months ago, she seems to have improved in the interim and the market certainly got it right as she was backed into joint favourite just before the off.

Shane Lyons said; “We're absolutely delighted with that filly. She was kept in training to win her stakes race, she was placed numerous times last year.

“That ground is slow but yet it's on the quick side for her. We'll talk to the manager Ed Sackville but I'm sure she'll have a break now as the ground is going to dry up and she'll probably come back for an autumn campaign.

“The deeper the better for her and there is a big race in her. She's gutsy and she sickens horses on heavy ground as she loves it.

“The pressure is off with the stakes race in the bag and we'll enjoy her.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.