Starting Monday and Billy Lee (left) win from Cannoli (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
The Corrib Food Products Maiden saw the 59-rated Starting Monday (9/4) complete a quick double for Billy Lee as the Raven’s Pass gelding made all for a length and a half success. Cannoli (3/1) fared best of Dermot Weld’s pair of runners in second with Solene Lilyette (2/1 fav) a further six lengths back in third place.
In the frame in a few handicaps including a bronze medal finish at his local track of Listowel last month, it was a family success as the winner is trained in Ballingarry, Co.Limerick by the winning rider’s sister Gillian Scott, for whom it was a first winner since An Fearchan in a hurdle race at Cork last year.
“That's fantastic and we're delighted," said Scott.
"He'd been unlucky in his handicap runs when things didn't always go his way.
"Bill gave him a great ride and said he's gone very professional.
"I'm delighted for the owners (the Starting Monday Syndicate).
"It was set up by my husband and there are brothers of his in it too. They are in London, Abu Dhabi and Australia.
"It's a pity they can't be here but I'm sure they're watching in on telly."
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
