Red Heel justifies Mulvany's confidence

The Aidan Archdeacon owned and bred Red Heel (20s into 14s) led home some other outsiders as the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at the Curragh didn’t go along expected lines.

With Wesley Joyce up, Red Heel bossed it from up front and was always looking good in her quest to hold the slow starting strong finishing Giselles Ausie (25s into 20s) by a length and a quarter.

It was the same distance then to Aurora Princess (11/1) in third.

“She was sick earlier in the year after her first run. I thought she worked very well the other day and I was confident enough coming today that we were going to have a big run,” said winning trainer Mick Mulvany.

“We'll probably go to the fillies Listed race in Galway. I can see the handicapper giving her a few pounds for that.

“She handles most ground, bar heavy. She seems to be better this year, she's more settled in herself.

“They gave her a handy lead and it was nice to get it.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident at around the 7 furlong marker involving Eastern Wind (GB), ridden by J.J.G. Ryan, and Red Heel, ridden by W. Joyce where it appeared Eastern Wind checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.J.G. Ryan stated that he ran short of room when trying to go forward. W. Joyce stated that he was making his way towards the rail when he heard a shout late on. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action other than to advise W. Joyce to ride with more awareness in future. Mr. J.J.G. Ryan was accompanied at this enquiry by Ms. Elaine O'Farrell.

J.J.G. Ryan, rider of Eastern Wind (GB) trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped heels after the start.

S. Foley, rider of Ha Ha Ha trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never let itself down on the ground.

The Stewards requested a report from Michael Mulvany, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Red Heel, placed first, as compared with its most recent run in Gowran on 11/05/22. Michael Mulvany stated that all his horses were under the weather at around this time possibly as a result of oil seed rape blooming in a field close by. He further added that he gave Red Heel a short break to freshen her up and this in his opinion brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(GC & EM)