Versilia Gal (nearest) gets up to beat Sofi's Spirit (centre) & Six Of Hearts© Photo Healy Racing
After going close on her last few starts the in-foal Versilia Gal landed a gamble as she took the Supervalu's Roscommon Apprentice Handicap under Ross Coakley for Pat Martin.
Third to Cheers Buddy at Bellewstown on Friday the five-year-old daughter of Footstepsinthesand opened on-course at 9/2 before being backed in to 3/1 at the off.
Settled in mid-division she improved into fourth entering the straight and was ridden on the outer from the two furlong pole.
She got going inside the final furlong and got up in the closing stages to prevail by a neck. Sofi's Spirit was sent off the 11/4 favourite (from 10/3) and she had to settle for second under Connor King for Michael Browne, while the eleven-year-old Six Of Hearts was a further three parts of a length back in third under Jack Kennedy for Cecil Ross at 8/1.
Pat Martin said afterwards: "That's Ross' first winner for me. I think he was only a 12-year-old when he first sat on a horse for us. He's riding with a lot of confidence, and is a lovely chap.
"This filly is in foal to Dandy Man. I was praying for rain on the way up as she is better with a dig in it."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into an incident early in the straight involving Six Of Hearts (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed third, Sofi's Spirit, ridden by C.R. King, placed second and Mistress Marinrio ridden by C.P. Hoban, where Mistress Marinrio ran through the running rail and consequently pulled up. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mistress Marinrio went through the running rail without receiving any interference and therefore took no further action. Cecil Ross, trainer of Six Of Hearts (GB) accompanied J.W. Kennedy at this enquiry.
The Stewards interviewed C.R. King, rider of Sofi's Spirit, placed second, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that C.R. King was in breach of R10(3)(a) by using his whip in front of the saddle while held in the forehand position where exceptional circumstances did not prevail and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
