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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Lady Christa makes all to land Fairyhouse finale under Kennedy

Fri 14th Jun 2024, 21:05

Lady Christa and Keithen Kennedy. Lady Christa and Keithen Kennedy.
© Photo Healy Racing

Having finished runner-up on her reappearance over ten furlongs at the same track last month, the Sheila Lavery trained Lady Christa opened her account when stepping up to a-mile-and-a-half to win the concluding Racing Again @ Fairyhouse July 10th Handicap.

Sent straight to the front by jockey Keithen Kennedy, the four-year-old had her rivals well strung out at the halfway stage with less than half the field holding realistic chances.

Determined to make it a proper test of stamina, Kennedy kicked for home early in the straight, taking a couple of lengths out of his opposition.

Gradually pulling clear inside the last couple of furlongs the 5/2f stayed on strongly to win by five lengths.

Sheila Lavery said: “She should have been a winner before this as she was unlucky in Navan last year when she was hampered by a loose horse.

“Keithen has her well worked out and he gave her a lovely ride.

“I’m delighted for the owners, David Llewelyn and John Runeckles, as they have been very patient. David is based in Singapore and John is in the UK. They have a few horses with me but have never seen them run live.”

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.