Probably beats Cristoforo Colombo at the Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
Billy Lee justifiably earned high praise from Ted Walsh on RTE Racing and it was fitting during a most successful season for the Limerick jockey that he'd gain a career high-point by landing the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises Railway Stakes on Probably at the Curragh for David Wachman.
The favourite, Cristoforo Colombo looked like he'd score as they approached the business end under Joseph O'Brien but in these conditions seeing out the trip fully is imperative and Probably did just that to triumph by a length and three parts.
Lee said: "This is as big as it comes. That was a good performance from the horse and he travelled a lot better than he'd done at Limerick last time.
"The flat track here helped, though he hit a flat spot a furlong out. He's a nice horse and he'll get a mile."
Meanwhile winning trainer David Wachman commented: "He's always shown plenty at home. He's a very good looking horse with plenty of size and scope.
"He stays well and Billy gave him a very good ride, he's a very under-rated rider.
"Seven furlongs or a mile will be right up his street later in the year. He's a good, tough, solid, honest sort.
"He'll be a better three-year-old, he's a big horse. He's a good actioned horse and he'd prefer better ground.
"He'll have a Group 2 penalty now and we'll aim at the stars I'd suppose. He'll run in some of the better races in the autumn."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the final furlong involving Probably, ridden by W J Lee, winner, Tiger Stripes (GB), ridden by C D Hayes, placed third and Ayaar ridden by P J Smullen, placed fourth, where it appeared interference had taken place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found C D Hayes to be in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record into account suspended him for three race days.
Mr N B Wachman, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.(GC & EM)
