Yaxeni (nearest) jumps from stalls © Photo Healy Racing
Yaxeni recorded her third Listed success of the campaign when making all in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Garnet Stakes.
It was a typically game performance from the Ger Lyons-trained daughter of Maxios who looked vulnerable when Term Of Endearment made progress from the rear of the field to throw down a strong challenge in the final furlong.
Yaxeni, a winner of the November Handicap over two miles here last season, dug deep and found extra to score by half a length.
It was a bit of a six-pointer in the jockeys’ title race, as a win for Bill Lee on Term Of Endearment would have brought him back to within two of Colin Keane, whose victory on the 2/1 favourite extended his advantage over the former to four (85-81).
Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: “We still have to discuss it but the Finale Stakes on the last day (of the Flat turf season) here could be an option.
“This will be her final year so it’s going to be very hard to replace her and the likes of Thunder Kiss -they are one in a million.
“Other horses come to her and she grinds them out, she breaks their hearts. She always seems to have something left.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
