Even So and Colin Keane © Photo Healy Racing
Ger Lyons trained his first winner in the colours of Coolmore supremo John Magnier when Even So ran out a cosy winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden at Gowran this afternoon.
The Camelot filly had been a big eye-catcher when running on into third behind subsequent Listed winner Blissful at Tipperary last month.
She was sent to post a solid 5/4 shot today and Colin Keane sent his mount to the front after a couple of furlongs.
Her rivals were at work going to the two pole and Even So picked up well when asked for an effort a furlong-and-a-half from home, going on to record a convincing three-and-three-quarter length win over Azila
The winner is in the ownership of Mrs John Magnier and Paul Shanahan and Lyons said afterwards:-
"Colin doesn't ever let the race get complicated and as I said to him don't ever come in and tell me they didn't go quick enough.
"She learned plenty from Tipperary which we expected her to do and I didn't want to run her here on Saturday because it was good to firm and to be honest the first winner I had in these colours I wanted it to be with Colin.
"My gut impression right now is we'll put her away and see her next year. There is no need to rush anything, she is a work in progress and she'll only improve for a winter and 10 furlongs at the minimum.
“Anything from these guys (Magnier/Shanahan) could be high class and you've more potential with her than the ones I buy for nothing at the sales."
Regarding his link with John Magnier he added "I didn't think it was for him as I was asked, for the last couple of years, to take a horse for Paul Shanahan.
“I kept putting it off and off but last summer he asked me to come down and look at a few fillies and I said 'Paul if you want to send me a horse, send me a horse'. Then this filly arrived.
"I thought it was for Paul Shanahan but one day the blue and pink colours (of owner Magnier) arrived and I thought 'oh Jesus here we go'!
"It is a high class problem and it's lovely. It's 25 years working hard and I'm delighted for the team at home and I'm delighted that we are getting this support. Happy days."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
