Shimla Rolann and Seamie Heffernan challenge on the inner of Alice Milligan and Hidden Spark (outer)© Photo Healy Racing
Shimla Rolann got up late to spring a 20/1 shock in the fillies claimer at Gowran Park for trainer Hilary McLoughlin. Alice Milligan and Hidden Spark duelled at the head of affairs for most of the mile contest with the former edging ahead inside the final furlong.
Seamie Heffernan went for a daring run up the inner on Shimla Rolann in the closing stages, however, and his mount pipped the long-time leader near the line for a neck success.
The winner was making her second start for McLoughlin having made little impression in a Curragh handicap on her first start for the yard.
The Lethal Force filly had won a handicap at Lingfield for Clive Cox in May before going through the ring for just £2,500 at the Tattersalls July Sale.
Martin Ferris, partner and assistant to Hilary McLoughlin, led up the winner and said:- “She’s a lovely filly and John O’Connor bought her at the Horses-In-Training Sale.
“We found it hard to find a mile race for her so he put her in for a claim (at 15,000). She’s a nice filly to go forward with as she’s only a three-year-old and hasn’t many miles on the clock.
“Hilary rides her out every day and said she was in great form. If she’s claimed then best of luck and if not she’s definitely one that can improve with another year.
“Seamie gave her an unbelievable ride and it worked out great.
“Hilary is the boss and I’m only the boy! We have about 20 horses at home and Hilary finds it hard to get racing as like every trainer in the country we are under-staffed.”
There were no claims after the race.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
