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Spirit Gal has Star Appeal

Spirit Gal is driven clear Spirit Gal is driven clear
© Photo Healy Racing

Willie Browne has a very nice filly on his hands in Spirit Gal who impressed when winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes at odds of 4/1.

A maiden winner over 6f at Naas, she made all under Seamie Heffernan and saw out the extra furlong well to beat 11/10 favourite Cairo and Pearling Path by two and a quarter lengths and three lengths.

Browne said: "It was (a helluva performance). We never had a runner in a Listed race before tonight so I didn't really know what was needed. We thought a lot of her and we think a lot of her.

"I don't know how good she is, but she is very decent anyway. She would (love the surface) as she is a very light mover. She wouldn't want soft ground.

"She seemed to get the trip very well, she did it the hard way and made all.

"Dream stuff for an oul lad like me!

"She's not for sale, the owner (Charles Fipke) is a Canadian man who races for fun and he won't be selling her.

"We might consider going to France and I think the owner might be considering the Breeders' Cup - I don't know if she qualifies or how you could qualify for it.

"She has a bright future and we are very excited."

Quotes from Michael Graham

1st
4/1
Tote €5.20 €1.40
2nd
2.25L
11/10Fav
€1.10
3rd
3L
12/1
€3.30
4th
0.5L
100/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.