Fionns Folly provided Curragh trainer Irene Oakes with her first Listed success when causing a major shock in the featured EBF Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes.
Seamus Heffernan's mount led inside the final quarter mile, and was driven out to deny Pietra Dura by three-quarters-of-a-length with Aquila Oculus a further length-and-a-half back in third. 'She was backward last year but has always worked a bit special. She loves soft ground and that trip, and deserves a crack now at the Pretty Polly Stakes,' said Ms Oakes, who also revealed that a number of her horses have been under a cloud recently with a lung infection.
New Currency heads next for the Railway Stakes at the Curragh on Budweiser Irish Derby day (June 30) after justifying strong support (8/1 to 9/2) in the Siucra Maiden. Kevin Manning had the Touch Gold colt close to the pace throughout, and he gamely held off odds-on newcomer One Nice Cat by a head. 'He's a hardy fellow, and probably a mile and a half horse for next year,' said successful trainer Jim Bolger.
Helen Keohane partnered her third winner in the last week when Cedar Wells held off Quick Date by a diminishing half length in division one of the Senator Windows Handicap. 'He was a very difficult horse to handle last year, but is totally different this season,' said trainer Edward Sexton, who has five in training at his yard near Kildangan Stud. Wayne Smith, rider of Quick Date, was given a two day suspension (June 15-16) for using his whip with excessive frequency.
Tupgill Tipple turned division two into a procession, drawing clear two furlongs out and eased right down by Timmy Houlihan in the closing stages to beat Windsor Dancer by a facile length-and-a-half.
Hurry Purr stretched clear at the furlong pole under Niall McCullagh in the Senator Windows Maiden, and had enough in reserve to beat staying on newcomer Desert Pageant by a convincing length.
Ballydine was given a positive ride by Sam Curling in the Senator Windows Handicap Chase, keeping on well in the straight for a two length verdict over Mackinus.
Alan Magee
