She's A Star (left) and Colin Keane beating Vigil© Photo Healy Racing
Vigil was all the rage for the Come Racing On The Active Retirement Raceday 19th October Maiden at Navan but was unable to match recent Listowel winner She’s A Star.
Vigil, far from disgraced twice at the Cheltenham Festival, was bidding to add to his two bumper wins and a maiden hurdle at Naas earlier this year and was sent off the red-hot favourite for this two-mile event.
Early tissue prices of 5/4 were quickly snapped up, and a first show of 4/7 on track was shortened into 4/9 by the off.
All appeared to be going to plan as Pat Smullen’s mount travelled ominously well over two furlongs out but he couldn’t match the winner from over a furlong out.
The Noel Meade-trained filly, winner of a bumper at Down Royal and also successful on testing ground over hurdles at Listowel, handled the much better ground well here.
The 7/1 (from 12/1 this morning) chance kept on under pressure for Colin Keane to score by three quarters of a length, with Constancio a further three and three quarter lengths away in third.
Meade said, “To be honest I didn't know what to expect as we don't do a lot with her at home as she's very buzzy.
“I loved her last year and went and bought her full-brother. She's not very big, 15'1, but she's tough. I'd say she'd win on the Flat again.
“The last thing I said to Colin going out that if she was going well don't hit the front too soon but she just got there a bit too quick.
“She's been great fun for the owners. Philip Meade, of Meade Potatoes, heads up the syndicate. She'll probably go back jumping now.”
(GC & AM)
