Balladiene (centre) & Bendzoldan (far side) battle out the finish with New Magic (nearest) a close third© Photo Healy Racing
Ronan Whelan continued his excellent run of form as he took the last at the Curragh today, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap over a mile, aboard the Jarlath Fahey trained Balladiene
Whelan has now won on his last three rides (Stones Peak and Custom Cut yesterday and Balladiene today) as well as having two winners at Killarney during the week.
The winning 6yo daughter of Noverre (second winner of the afternoon for that sire after Placere recorded back to back wins at Leopardstown and Gowran but could only manage sixth last time out at Roscommon behind Cheval Rouge
Having opened at 14/1 with Paddy Powers this morning she was return at just 8/1.
She race in mid-division early on and was seventh at the halfway stage before making headway into fourth two furlongs out.
She was ridden into third a furlong and a half from home and came with her challenge a furlong out.
She disputed the lead with Bendzoldan and New Magic inside the final furlong and she just got the verdict by a nose.
Bendzoldan had to settle for second for Jessica Harrington and Fran Berry at 9/2 while the 7/2 favourite New Magic was a head back in third under Colin Keane for Dermot McLoughlin.
Winning trainer Jarlath Fahey said afterwards: “I’m absolutely thrilled for both myself and the owners.
"It’s just fantastic to win a handicap like this on Oaks day. Both the horse and jockey really delivered today.
"Ronan gave her a great ride and that is three wins from four rides for him this weekend.
"Usually she would be on a break now but as soon as the ground dries out she will be."
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
