Bay Of Bengal, orange cap, strives for victory© Photo Healy Racing
There wasn't much to separate the field in the concluding 1m2f handicap at the Curragh and it was Bay Of Bengal who swooped to conquer.
Around four lengths would have covered all the runners as the race heated up at the furlong pole. Magic Chegaga attempted to see off all comers in the final furlong but it was Bay Of Bengal who came home best to nab the spoils close home.
She prevailed by a neck to pay favourite backers at 11/4. Magic Chegaga was returned second at 9/1. Gambled-on Laelaps (5/1) was three quarters of a length back in third.
This gave jockey Billy Lee a double as he was also on Teresa Mendoza in the opener.
Trainer Willie McCreery said: “When Billy is riding at the top of his game like that, he’s worth his weight in gold.
“He said he would play late as he thought he hit the front too soon at Gowran the last day. He gave her a beautiful ride and it’s great to have a winner on Derby day.
“I was happy when a few of them came out and there were only 11 runners which suited her with not much experience.
“She’s as hard as nails and is a fighter. She has the heart of a lion.
“We’ll talk to John O’Connor and Paul Starr and see what the handicapper does. There are some nice fillies' handicaps for the rest of the year.”
Bay Of Bengal is now two from three.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
