Slipper Orchid is driven out by Shane Foley with Bubbly Bellini (centre) and Elusive Time (right) in behind© Photo Healy Racing
Only five runners went to post for the Lyrath Estate & Spa Summer Ladies Day 13th July Race at Fairyhouse but there was a competitive finish, in which Slipper Orchid just came out on top.
Entering the final furlong, Mick Halford's 5-2 chance held a slight advantage, with Elusive Time and Hidden Oasis challenging, and a gap coming in time for Bubbly Bellini to slip through, but Slipper Orchid stuck to her guns and prevailed by a neck.< Marsali made an impressive beginning to her career in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
Dermot Weld's juvenile swept down the outside with Pat Smullen barely out of second gear, and the champion jockey only had to keep the 12-1 shot up to her work to pass the post three and a half lengths ahead of Gussy Goose < Photo Call made it third-time lucky in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden for three-year-olds.
Having reached the frame in a couple of better maidens leading into this, David Wachman's charge was backed into 1-4 favouritism and duly obliged with the minimum of fuss.< Local Flier looked like supplementing last month's course and distance success when shooting a couple of lengths clear in the Special Group Rates At Fairyhouse Handicap, but she began to tread water in the dying strides and was nailed on the line by Share A Secret (6-1).< Hi Emperor (13-2) proved far too strong for his rivals in the Like Fairyhouse On Facebook Handicap.
The David Marnane-trained gelding sprinted smartly in the hands of Fergal Lynch and crossed the line with four lengths in hand of City Of Culture
Ger Lyons confirmed Colin Keane as his number one jockey earlier this week and the in-form combination landed the Book Your Hen Or Stag Party At Fairyhouse Handicap courtesy of 12-1 chance Captain Teemo
