Californiadreaming wins under Ana O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
On a big day for Ballydoyle over at Royal Ascot, Aidan O'Brien and team kept things ticking over on the home front as Californiadreaming (cheek-pieces on for the first time) claimed the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.
Eight times previously raced, the victorious Fastnet Rock filly, bred by the family under their Whisperview Trading Ltd banner, has seen her rating slide from 91 down to 79, but this was her day in the hands of Ana O'Brien.
"She has been running consistently well and was entitled to win a race," said Joseph O'Brien after Californiadreaming had beaten promising newcomer Grainne's Dream by half a length.
"The race worked out perfectly for her. She got a bit of cover and the split a furlong-and-a-half to go. It suited her to have nowhere to go for a while - she's that kind of filly.
"She's a well-bred filly and is a winner now. I'd say she'll try to get some black-type if possible."
Well-backed favourite Smokey Quartz had to settle for fifth place.
The Stewards interviewed F.Birrane, trainer of Lightsome (GB), regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring.
Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that the horse got very fractious and was difficult to saddle.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the trainer was in breach of Rule 32(ii) and having considered his record the trainer was fined €150 and reminded of his future responsibilities in this regard.
(GC & EM)
