Signora makes all to belatedly open her account Ninth when sent off favourite for the Albany at Royal Ascot last summer, Signora belatedly opened her account in the delayed opener at Limerick, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. A runner-up in two starts this season, the Aidan O'Brien-trained bay was yet again expected to make the breakthrough this afternoon, going off a well-supported favourite at 8/13 (6/4 in early shows). Making all under Jack Cleary, the 91-rated victor was pushed along and increased her advantage from the furlong pole, ultimately easing to a four-and-a-quarter length win. The easy-to-back Rayzera (7/1 from 7/2 early) filled the runner-up spot under Seamie Heffernan for Johnny Murtagh, while Expert Eye (3/1) was another two-lengths back in third. "It took a while to get her head in front but it was very straightforward today and she is a nice filly going forward," Cleary reflected. "She is versatile ground-wise, she enjoyed it today and I think that seven-furlongs is her trip. She is a nice filly." The off of this race was delayed due to the late arrival of an ambulance. STEWARDS REPORTS C.D. Hayes, rider of White Lily, trained by David J. Geary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount raced keen. L.T. McAteer, rider of Lamberella, trained by David Marnane, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly into stride after the starting stalls opened. Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Ridersinthesky (GER), reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge showed signs of being in season. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
