Ondeafears (second left) challenges late between horses for Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Ondeafears showed a striking turn of foot to defy top-weight in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at Gowran Park.
The six-year-old mare was being driven along in rear by Shane Foley early in the straight but came right through the field to triumph.
Foley got a nice gap between horses to lead close home on the 4/1 favourite for a half-length victory over the always prominent Core Element (10/1), with Flic Flac (9/1) the same distance further away in third.
Winning trainer Michael Halford said, “She’s very, very genuine. The gap appeared just in time, and you have to ride her like that. It takes her a while to warm up and find her stride. That’s her style of racing.
“It was a good trip for her and taking on her own sex helped as well. It was a lovely pot. I’m thrilled for the owner (Carol Roper) who bred her as well and has done well with that family. She deserved that.”
Shane Foley also commented, "When it comes off it's an unbelievable feeling.She even won with a bit in hand at the finish!
"She gets off the bridle a bit early on and you just have to give her a chance. I think she's got a bit stronger this year."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
