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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Claimer Kelly shines on Fiesolana

Sat 25th May 2013, 16:51

Fiesolana, left, wins under Shane KellyFiesolana, left, wins under Shane Kelly
© Photo Healy Racing

Money talks, and when one horse almost halves in price during the morning trading in a 23-runner handicap it’s worth noting. Fiesolana was the market mover in question from 9/1 to 5/1 and the early birds collected as five-pound claimer Shane Kelly made the best way home with two furlongs to go in this mile race.

As his rivals began to toil, Kelly opened up a lead on Fiesolana which he needed at the end as she held on by half a length from Captain Joy (12/1), who was a neck in front of Regulation (12/1). Campanology was the horse for money at the track (11/1 to 8/1) and each way supporters were rewarded with his fourth place finish.

The winner went off at 7/1 and a beaming Shane Kelly said: “That’s the biggest race I’ve ever won. She jumps, travels and quickens. I thought the line was never going to come quick enough.”

Owner Kieran Leavy praised his jockey as he said: “Shane gave him superb ride, and Willie has done great work with her. This is for my father Pat. The Curragh was his special place.”

Willie McCreery trains the four-year-old filly and he added: “I’m delighted with that. I was a bit worried about the ground.

“She came on a lot from her run at Tipperary. There’s a Listed race for her in Naas in a couple of weeks.

“I’ve had her three months. She came from France. We’ll have a bit of fun with her. She got a bit lonely in front.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
7/1
Tote €9.00 €1.70
2nd
0.5L
12/1
€2.30
3rd
nk
12/1
€2.80
4th
1.25L
8/1
€2.10
bf
nose
5/1Fav
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.