Fionnuar (right) defeats Slipper Orchid (left) and September Lily© Photo Healy Racing
The Jim Bolger trained Fionnuar ridden by Kevin Manning, came out best in a tight finish to make a winning debut in the Irish Field Fillies Maiden at The Curragh today.
Manning held the daughter of Teofilo up in the early stages before producing his challenge on the outer in the closing stages. At the line, Fionnuar had a short head to spare over September Lily with the same distance back to 13/8 favourite Slipper Orchid which was forced to switch towards the running rail inside the final furlong but stayed on well late.
Afterwards Bolger stated “Keving (Manning) was trying to make her do it right first time out (by holding her up) and it worked out well for her.
“She is better bred than all of us! Her dam is a full sister to Chief's Crown (a Champion American two year old) and she had the privilege of being ponied to the start by a horse Galileo!”
