Prince Of Naples (near side) and Balmari© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Sheila Lavery sent out her first winner since ending a boycott of the track at Dundalk earlier this year when her Prince Of Naples landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race under stable jockey Robbie Colgan.
Lavery was among a group of trainers who voiced their disapproval of the surface at the Co Louth venue last April and with remedial work having since proven a success, returned to the Dundalk winners' enclosure for the first time since March, with Prince Of Naples.
The son of Holy Roman Emperor had previously filled fourth place and picked up E20,000 following a fine fourth placing in the Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes at the Curragh in September and was today produced in fine shape when beating Balmari by half a length.
Lavery, who tragically lost 1,000 Guineas runner-up Lady Kaya this summer, today said “I think an awful lot of this horse.
“He got a really bad infection after he won in Fairyhouse and we had to hit him with antibiotics. I think it left a mark as it's taken me a long time to get his bloods right.
“He still wasn't 100 percent right when he ran in the Curragh but I think I'm back on the road now and I'm delighted with that.
“We'll see what the plan is now and we might get a call to sell him.
“John sent me off to buy yearlings and I think I bought more than he bargained for! That's why we had Sevenleft in the claimer (finished second and was claimed), we just have to lighten up (with numbers).
“I do think a lot of this horse, and he'd be one you'd love to hang on to, but we have to be realistic and if we get a decent offer he'll have to go.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
