Jim Bolger and Aidan O'Brien exchange pleasantries after Cimeara and Sizzling dead-heated© Photo Healy Racing
For the second time at Leopardstown this evening, a dead-heat was called by the judge, with Cimeara and Sizzling sharing the spoils in the Listed Kingdom Of Bahrain Vinnie Roe Stakes.
Cimeara (5/1), who had beaten Sizzling (8/1) on their previous two meetings, looked set to score when ridden to the front a furlong from home.
Sizzling however threw down a strong late challenge on the outer under Seamie Heffernan, and she powered home to join the aforementioned Jim Bolger trained filly on the line.
Aidan O'Brien was completing a double on the card with Sizzling, while Kevin Manning was aboard Cimera. The King (9/2) completed the places another length back in third, while the 9/4 favourite (from 4s) Bandua could only manage fifth.
"We were delighted with our filly. She stays well," said O'Brien.
"That's her first stakes win but she's been placed a lot of times.
"She could go to Goodwood for the fillies race or Doncaster for the staying race for fillies."
In reply Bolger said: "You go to Goodwood and I'll go to Doncaster."
To which O'Brien joked: "He's still telling me what to do!"
Bolger added: "I always ask you what you'd like to do."
The Master Of Coolcullen added: "Aidan is going to Goodwood and I'm going to Doncaster but because she's in the stable representing the poor she'll have to earn her keep in the meantime, wherever that will be.
"She's done very well up to now anyway and her first cousin, Turret Rocks, is doing it as well.
"I said coming down the stairs, to Colm O'Rourke, that this could be the second dead-heat of the evening."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Cypress Creek ridden by D. O'Brien, and Cimeara, ridden by K.J. Manning, where it appeared that Cypress Creek ran short of room and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that K.J. Manning was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended K.J. Manning for 1 raceday.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
