Harriet's Force a special winner for Clarke

Harriet's Force showed her excellent effort in Listed company last time to be no fluke at all when landing the Old Coach Inn Median Auction Maiden at Dundalk.

She was backed to do so as well, finding a starting price of 3/1 from an opening offer of 'sixes.'

For trainer Keith Clarke and jockey Robbie Colgan, the Lethal Force filly made headway from towards the rear entering the straight.

She went fifth two furlongs out and soon pushed along, the 89-rated filly was ridden to go second a furlong out.

Leading inside the final furlong Harriet's Force eventually beat Sweet Dime (33/1) by a length and a half.

"From day one I knew she was a good filly but she's just been so green and I've never done so much work with a two-year-old than I had to with this one just to educate her," said Clarke.

"Robbie worked her one morning and said 'this is special, the best two-year-old I've ever sat on' and that says a lot.

"She's well named. I lost my father earlier in the year and she's named after him. The other half-owner Sean Fitzsimons's wife Elaine, her father was Harry as well and he died last year. So it's a special moment.

"We've had a dry spell for a long time and it's our first winner out of the new yard.

"She's just pure class and she's probably a Listed horse in time or even a bit special, and a bit better, when she knows her job.

"We've held her in high regard and she's still learning her job. I think the mile is exactly what she needed especially with the pedigree she has.

"I have two of the half siblings at home, and they want further, Tenth Amendment is one of them.

"She's by far the best and I'm delighted to get the job done tonight.

"I'd like to put her away now and if I still have her for next year, I've always felt and one other person said to me, that a Guineas could be an aim for her. She's a fair tool and we've a good marker in the yard to aim at."

The Stewards informed Lee Smyth, trainer, that Sheamer Princess would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

(GC & EM)