Destiny's Child (left) comes to short-head Merkel© Photo Healy Racing
Merkel travelled like the winner to the business end of the Better Odds Ladbrokes Fillies Maiden but after being switched around Elegant Sisi the Manduro filly didn't help her rider Shane Foley by hanging towards the rail and she was eventually short-headed by the best finisher, Destiny's Child (third behind a decent horse here two weeks ago – Miracle Cure).
After hampering the eventual third, Elegant Sisi, Merkel (accidently struck in the eye about a furlong out - vision in one of her eyes reportedly impaired following the incident) caused an enquiry to be called – not involving the winner and there was no change following the steward's deliberations.
Tim Doyle trains the Pat Smullen-ridden Destiny's Child for his wife Claire and he said: "She's a lovely tough filly and has a level of ability.
"I trained her mother (Dushinka, third in a Group 3) – she was a decent filly – and this is her first foal.
"We'll see if we can find something back here for her now and she'll probably go up in trip to a mile and a quarter."
The Stewards received a report from Mr T. Smith, Turf Club Veterinary Officer that Merkel had been presented to him with a blood cloth in the eye, which was most likely caused by some trauma.
Evidence was also heard from JP Murtagh , rider of Elegant Sisi who stated that he accidentally struck Merkel as she challenged to his outside approximately one furlong out.
S. Foley, rider of Merkel and Mr. Edward Lynam , trainer also attended this enquiry.
Having considered all the evidence, and viewed the videos the stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental and took no further action.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final furlong involving Merkel, ridden by S Foley, placed, second and Elegant Sisi, ridden by JP Murtagh, placed, third, where the latter had to check.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge’s placings, they gave S. Foley the benefit of the doubt in the incident and took no further action.
(AM & EM)
