Whearty rides first winner for Lyons on By The Lake Robert Whearty rode his first winner for Ger Lyons when guiding By The Lake to victory in the opener at Naas this afternoon, the EMS Copiers Irish EBF Fillies Maiden. An E80,000 yearling purchase and out of a half-sister to Group 2 winner Creggs Pipes, the chestnut victor was returned at 6/1. Drawn in one and settled behind the leaders in a far side group, she was ridden with over a furlong to go and improved to lead inside the final 200 yards. While looking set for a cosy win, her advantage was rapidly diminished in the closing stages, as she just held off the fast finishing Andy Slattery-trained Tornado Kiss (12/1 from 25s early), with a neck between them at the line. Like the first two home, another debutant finished third, with Cactus (5/1) a length-and-a-quarter back under Wayne Lordan for Aidan O'Brien. Returned a well-backed favourite at 5/2 (touched 13/2 early), Eat Pray Run finished down the field. "I was contemplating not running her because of the five (furlongs). I was going to start her at six but I said I'd do the entry and see what rocks up because I just like the track," Lyons explained. "She's a lovely filly with a good temperament. I've no big plans, we'll just see what she's like when she comes home." On the form of his two-year-olds he added:- "They've all come to themselves and have thanked me for taking my time with them, they are all running well so long may it continue." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Eat Pray Run, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * A.J. Slattery, rider of Tornado Kiss, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green inside the final furlong and rolled left. * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident inside the final furlong involving Practical Move, ridden by L.T. McAteer, unplaced, and Prairie Echoes, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, unplaced, where it appeared L.T. McAteer had to sit momentarily. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
