Lady Kai (cheekpieces) and Shane Foley © Photo Healy Racing
The Ross O'Sullivan-trained Lady Kai landed a nice touch in the second division of the Irish Examiner Handicap at Killarney.
Having been as big as 14/1 this morning the Sea The Stars filly, owned by Mick Kinane's wife Catherine, went to post the 11/4 favourite.
Shane Foley produced his mount to dispute a furlong-and-a-half from home and she edged ahead in the closing stages to beat Just Another Eagle by half a length.
The winner had run with promise in a couple of handicaps last seen and was making her first start since last September. She carried cheekpieces for the first time today.
"It is great to get one for Mick who has persevered with her,” said O'Sullivan.
“She always showed hints of ability and while we thought she'd win a race, she let me down a few times. We ended up stopping with her and giving her a complete break and this year she has come back better and stronger.
"Her work was good and had shown that she would be a different filly this year. She is bred to win an Oaks let along a 45-65 but at least she has won now and it is important she has won.
"You'd imagine there's another one in her and while she is in at Leopardstown tomorrow, it wouldn't be fair to run her."
Regarding his connection with ex-jockey Kinane, he added "I've known Mick a long time through Mark Gittens, who has horses with me, and who is married to Mick's daughter Aisling.
"That's our first horse for Mick and he rang straight away. He watched the race with Catherine and said he rode a finish himself in the last furlong!"
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
