Icykel and Shane Kelly© Photo Healy Racing
Frankel-filly Icykel landed a gamble on her second start today, showing improvement from a soft-ground debut run to win Dundalk's DundalkStadium.com Maiden for trainer Johnny Murtagh.
Supporters of Icykel, whose name derives from parents Frankel and Cold As Ice, held the line until 10am this morning, when a 25/1 outsider, but backed her throughout the day and on the show, was supported from 5/1 to 9/2.
In the race, Barnane Stud-owned Icykel benefitted from a forward ride from jockey Shane Kelly who steered her to a three lengths win from Isotta
Murtagh said "she ran well in Galway (in September) and was better than her finishing position, with the ground being very soft.
"It is very important that a filly like her, being so well-bred, wins a maiden and it looked an ideal opportunity and Shane was impressed. He said he was in a good position and when he let her go, she quickened up and she stays well.
"She is a good, strong, typical Frankel, is genuine with the head down and stays 1m4f really well. We'll speak to connections and see will she go to stud or keep her going this year. ”
He added “Shane (Kelly) has put in a lot of work over the winter. The boys are all away in Australia and Dubai, but he has been there. He is a big part of the team and doesn't miss when he gets the opportunities."
Quotes from Michael Graham
