Five-in-a-row for big improver Meriden The Denis Hogan-trained Meriden stretched her winning run to five with a taking success in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes at Killarney. A run of four handicap wins began off a mark of 57 at Down Royal at the end of May and she went on record two wins at the Curragh, with a Leopardstown victory in between, putting her on a rating of 97 going into this evening’s contest. But, at odds of 11/2, she certainly stepped again under Chris Hayes to come home a length and a half ahead of Royal Ascot winner and 2/1 favourite Green Carrera. The 16/1 chance Sky Watch the same distance away in third place. It was a fourth winner in two days for Hayes who had taken the preceding contest on the Dermot Weld-trained Kalir. Denis Hogan said: “We always knew she was okay but she’s improved with every run. “It’s worked out lovely, she’s just stepped up every time. She’s done a lot very quick, it’s massive what she’s done in six or seven weeks. “You’d have to look at a Group 3 with her next. She’s beat a good filly there. “Chris knows her well and he had said to me that she mightn’t like this place as she can lean left. She’s entered at Ascot next weekend on his recommendation but it might come a bit soon. “I just love her attitude; I was riding her out all week thinking that she had sharpened up from the Curragh. I haven’t been dipping her, because she’s running so much you can’t empty her at home. “To me just cantering it felt like she had improved. He whole attitude is just so good. “It’s the hottest day of the year and there is not an ounce of sweat out of her. She saddled really professional. She just does everything well and had a real good mind. “She is exciting to have. She’s a class filly. I have to thank Paul O’Brien and Paul Shanahan for giving her to me.” Charles Shanahan, son of part-owner Linda Shanahan, said, “My grandparents, Michael (Cunningham) and Anne are watching the race at home and I know how much it means to them. “It means everything to us because obviously the race is named after a filly my grandfather trained and she won so many Group 1s. It was nearly emotional! “Denis has done such a great job to progress her from handicaps, now into this company. It’s a really special day and I’m delighted everyone is here. “It’s all down to Denis and his team, who have done a great job. “For the money she cost she’d progressed into such a high standard now and we’re very lucky. Let's hope she keeps progressing and I think she will.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
