Wave holds sway in Weld Stakes

Coral Wave produced a gutsy performance to emerge on top after a three-way battle in the Group Three CL Weld Stakes at the Curragh.

Declan McDonogh produced his charge to head front-runner Homecoming Queen two furlongs from home but that rival refused to back down. Princess Sinead also threw down a strong challenge inside the final furlong but Patrick Prendergast's charge held the pair at bay.

She stuck her head out in the closing stages to record a neck success over Homecoming Queen, who staged a late rally.

Princess Sinead was just a further neck back in third in the seven furlong contest.

"She loves that ground. She's changed a lot as she was a little bit free in the spring on her second run," said Prendergast, who was recording his first Group success as a trainer.

"As of late she's gone the other way and is very relaxed. It opens up a lot of doors and I wouldn't be surprised if she got 1m4f next year.

"Declan said to me that he was sure he had me worried but always had a little bit up his sleeve. She was idling a bit.

"She had been a little free in the spring and the staff have done a great job settling her.

"She's still a little bit on the weak side and will go home to Grangecon now for the winter.

When asked if soft ground was the key to his charge Prendergast stated that he thought she would also handle better conditions.

"She has improved greatly from her first two runs. She was a little bit unlucky not to win the Loder Race here though and that was on good ground.

"She handles soft ground but she's not a bad filly on good. She just handles soft better than some others.

"Next year over 1m4f she might not need it soft as her stamina will come into play more.

"I'm thinking of the Oaks for her. You have to have somthing to get up for in the winter, especially if it gets to minus 16 again!

"I'm delighted for (owner) Richard Barnes who has got my yard back going.

"Mark Weld is a good pal also and I'm delighted to win his grandfather's race."

Gary Carson