Fahey's Vona springs Marygate surprise Richard Fahey was left gobsmacked after Vona sprang a 33-1 surprise in the Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate Fillies' Stakes at York. Unplaced in two previous runs, the diminutive Dark Angel filly was not expected to have the pace to bother the principals in the Listed event. Fahey was even surprised she was in the race, with her bring entered by owner Nick Bradley, but she backed up his faith, finishing strongly under Jack Garritty to beat the 11-8 favourite Boater by a length. She was introduced into the betting at 20-1 for the Queen Mary by Paddy Power. "I'm very surprised," admitted Fahey. "Nick made the entry and there's not much more I can say really. She got into a rhythm and came home strongly." When told bookmakers were dishing out quotes for the Queen Mary, he said: "Well, she's a Listed winner now so there's nowhere else to go really." Garritty said: "Her first two runs were educational and she improved a lot for Chester. The way she was going away I'd say there's more to come again." Boater's trainer Mark Johnston said: "She thinks she's done everything right and I don't want to make any excuses, but it's not the first time this week horses coming on the far side have caused an upset. "We were drawn two and we thought we'd stay where we were, not thinking anything is going to go way over there. That's the only excuse I've got. "She'll go for the Queen Mary next."
