Whitehaven Bay and Pat Smullen come home in style© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Whitehaven Bay (around 5s earlier in the day, into 2/1 favourite) justified the support in style when running away with the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Median Auction Fillies Maiden at Dundalk under Pat Smullen.
On her initial try on the polytrack, on start number four, Sheila Lavery's daughter of Myboycharlie eventually came home with six lengths to spare over Azamesse
Mrs Lavery said: "The Mugs (Syndicate, winning owners) are all my family and I bought this one as a foal. I saw her walking in the ring and I liked her and paid 1,500 for her. I have to thank Bill Dwan who said to go one more bid.
"Pat (Smullen) always liked her. He says she has an amazing length of stride. He said I should step her up to a mile and a half so I'll have a look at the calendar. She's so big and has needed time."
The Stewards enquired into an incident at the opening turn involving Azamesse, ridden by R. Aguiar, Dew Line ridden by G.F. Carroll, and Love Letter ridden by W.J. Lee, where it appeared Dew Line ran short of room and was forced to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found R. Aguiar in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.
(MG & EM)
