Beechwood and Billy Lee pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Billy Lee completed a double aboard Beechwood as she impressively accounted for her 14 rivals in the feature at Galway this evening, the Ardillaun Hotel Irish EBF Oyster Stakes.
Previously in the care of John O'Donoghue and second on her first two starts for Paddy Twomey, the Le Havre bay was available at 9s in early shows for this Listed heat, eventually going off a 5/1 chance.
Racing mainly in fifth, the 94-rated victor took closer order from the three-furlong pole and travelled strongly in second on the turn for home.
Soon sent to the front, she readily stretched clear inside the final furlong and had four and a quarter lengths to spare at the line.
UK raider Rouge Sellier (7/2f) couldn't go with the winner in the straight and had to settle for second under Colin Keane for Sir Mark Prescott, while Cork maiden winner Romzina (9/1) was another length and a half back in third, after leading for much of the contest.
"She obviously transferred to us mid-season and it looked a bit nuts to initially run her in a mile winners' race, but she has got 1m2f and now 1m4f and is growing in confidence," Twomey commented.
"She hasn't done anything between her races and I was happy coming here she would run a good race.
"I'll talk to Glyn and Mrs Davies but I'd say after today there is every chance she will stay in training next year, as she had been progressing and has improved again today.
"Today looked her career best at the end of her four-year-old season so she probably has more to give."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident rounding the home bend involving Snowcapped ridden by J.A. Heffernan, and Andromeda ridden by W.M. Lordan, where it appeared J.A. Heffernan had to sit for a stride. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
M.P. Sheehy, rider of Shoda trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was too keen.
Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Scarlett O'Hara (FR), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her charge scoped wrong on endoscopic examination.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
