Jack Naylor and Fran Berry pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Naylor sprang a bit of a surprise as she got up close home to win the Group Three Jockey Club Of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes, scoring under Fran Berry for Jessica Harrington.
The daughter of Champs Elysees got off the mark on her third start at Roscommon earlier this month, beating Syntax by three and a half lengths.
Having opened at 6/1 last night she drifted out to an opening show on-course of 14’s, touching 16’s before going off a 14/1 chance.
After racing mainly in fifth she was ridden from over two furlongs out, improving into third with a furlong left to race.
She kept on strongly from there, hitting the front 50 yards out before going on to score by a length and a half. Agnes Stewart kept on to take second at 11/2 (backed from 7/1 on-course) under Billy Lee for Eddie Lynam while Qualify (7/1), who led for most the contest, was a further head back in third under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O’Brien. Marsali was sent off the 11/4 favourite under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld but she could only manage seventh.
Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "She stays really well and probably a mile will suit her better. She loves that ground.
"She did it like she hoped I would and I’m delighted for Gerry (owner Gerard Byrne). She is in the Debutante and I would quite like to go but she will probably have a penalty now and it might be hard to carry.
"We might supplement her for the Moyglare but I don’t know yet. She has got her big blacktype and she is a winner of two races now.
"Next year I would say she will definitely get a mile and a half the way she is bred."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Marsali (USA), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
J.P. O'Brien, rider of Cocoon trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly in the straight.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving As Good As Gold ridden by C. O'Donoghue,unplaced , Cocoon, ridden by J.P. O'Brien, unplaced and Marsali (USA), ridden by P.J. Smullen, unplaced . Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that P.J.Smullen was in breach of Rule 214, having ridden carelessly and having taken into account his record, suspended him for two race days.
Furthermore J.P.O'Brien was reminded of his future responsibilities regarding the accuracy of his evidence. Mr. John Martin-Smith,Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
The Stewards interviewed P.J.Smullen, rider, concerning his conduct on leaving the Stewards room, after a previous enquiry. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who apologised for his behaviour , which he deemed to be unacceptable and totally out of character. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards accepted the apology , having reminded the rider of his future responsibilities in this regard. Mr. John Martin-Smith, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
P.J. Smullen, rider of Marsali (USA), trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly in the closing stages.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
