Red Stars and Declan McDonogh lead them home© Photo Healy Racing
John Oxx struck once again in the Lenebane Stakes as Red Stars stepped up to claim the Listed contest.
The Currabeg trainer brought his record to five wins from the last nine runnings of the race which is run just shy of a mile-and-a-half. Ballybacka Queen cut out the running and was tracked throughout by Declan McDonogh on Red Stars.
The Manduro filly claimed the front-runner with over a furlong to run and kept on well in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-quarter length win at odds of 7/1.
7/4 favourite Chemical Change stayed on into second without ever looking like pegging back the winner.
Red Stars had contested two classic trials this season, finishing a close fourth behind Discipline in the Oaks trial at Naas on her most recent outing last month.
"She ran well in Naas over a mile and a quarter, and I thought she would get the trip and in fact she has improved a good bit for going that distance,” said Oxx.
"She's a tough, genuine filly and has learned to settle. This has been a lucky race for us. She has won a Listed race now, so she will probably go next for the Group 3 Give Thanks at Cork."
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
