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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Topweight Sonaiyla lands Summer Fillies' for Twomey

Sun 19th Jul 2020, 15:30

Sonaiyla and Billy Lee (left) beat Music To My Ears (right) in the Manguard Plus Summer Fillies' Handicap Sonaiyla and Billy Lee (left) beat Music To My Ears (right) in the Manguard Plus Summer Fillies' Handicap
© Photo Healy Racing

Sonaiyla (11/2) put up a fine weight-carrying performance to take the Manguard Plus Summer Fillies' Handicap, holding on by a head from the fast-finishing 9/2 favourite Music To My Ears

It was a notable effort by the Aga Khan-bred daughter of Dark Angel, who was conceding upwards of a stone to everything below her in the handicap having taken a sharp rise in the ratings for a Listed win at Cork a fortnight previously.

She was prominent all the way, and Billy Lee built up enough of an advantage to gain the verdict over the Wayne Lordan-partnered runner-up, who wasn’t helped by a tardy start and a bit of early interference.

Twice a winner last year for Michael Halford, Sonaiyla has found major improvement in a visor and tongue-tie for her new handler.

Winning trainer Paddy Twomey said: “I thought if she could win with that weight then she’s probably a Group filly and I’d say there is no doubt.

“I think she is very comfortable at six or seven. I think we’re finished with handicaps now.

“Billy gave her a great ride and they are a good partnership. Billy is a big part of the operation and I’m thrilled that he won on her.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
11/2
Tote €5.20 €2.00
2nd
hd
9/2Fav
€1.02
3rd
1L
7/1
€2.30
4th
1.5L
11/1
€3.00
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.