Hi Stranger and John Gleeson© Photo Healy Racing
Runner-up on her debut at Cork earlier in the month, the 3/1 favourite Hi Stranger went one better in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Flat Race.
Confidently handled by John Gleeson, the daughter of Sea Moon moved into second travelling well early in the straight and soon challenged the well-supported Ask For Fame (9/2).
After hitting the front at the furlong marker, the market leader readily went clear to defeat that rival by six lengths.
Father of the winning rider, and winning owner, Brian Gleeson was on hand and commented: "That's John's second winner, his first was for Joseph (O'Brien) and that's his first in my colours. It is special to have a winner for John Kiely as we go back a long way and he is a legend.
"I have nothing to do with his riding, it is down to John (Kiely) who is the teacher and is everything.
“John has just turned 17, is in Transition Year and goes back to school in September.
"This is a special evening."
Winning trainer Kiely added: "The filly is very well-bred and Brian was lucky to buy her and has a lovely broodmare now. Her dam Sesenta won the Ebor and it is hard to beat good pedigrees.
"John has been with us riding for five or six years since he was riding ponies."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
