Magical performance as Whittle opens Irish account Magical Zoe made a serious impression on debut in the Thanks To Frontline Staff Mares (Ladies Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Cork when sprinting clear in the final furlong under Sioned Whittle. Whittle only joined Aidan Fitzgerald this year after coming over from Tom Lacey’s Herefordshire yard and has already ridden a couple of point-to-point winners. Magical Zoe is trained by Fitzgerald’s brother Barry and the 8/1 chance travelled strongly to lead over a furlong out before stretching clear to beat Glory Liss by an easy six and a half lengths. Phils Choice was a further length and a half away in third but 8/11 favourite Tara Ri weakened in the final furlong and could only finish fifth. Barry Fitzgerald said, "She is a nice filly and from day one, I've always liked her. She is very professional and her work was very good. The ground was borderline ok and for a four-year-old to do that is good, and she shot clear. "I'd like to thank Aidan, my brother and Enda McDonagh for buying her at the sales and she will go back to the sales now." He added, "Sioned has ridden two winners for Tom Lacey in England and has two point-to-point winners ridden for Aidan as well. She came over three months ago to ride in point-to-points, is based with Aidan and rode this filly during the week. She is good." (TW & AM)
