Moll (Billy Lee nearside) beats Flor De La Luna (Shane Foley)© Photo Healy Racing
After their success with Maoilin at Dundalk on Wednesday there was more success up in grade for Team Valor, Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee when Moll triumphed in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes at Cork. Flor De La Luna had every chance when veering off to her left a furlong out whilst Moll was straight and true towards the inner.
There was a steward’s enquiry as Flor De La Luna hampered some of the pursuers.
However there was no alteration to the judge’s verdict of Moll, by a length and a quarter and a length and a half from Flor De La Luna and Yaxeni
Well-backed favourite Mighty Blue could manage only sixth. Group One winner Princess Zoe was ninth.
"She was fourth to Even So at Naas last year and was only beaten three lengths but got injured. Moll has top class ability and I supplemented her for the Irish Oaks last year and I wasn't messing when I did it,” said Twomey.
"It's day by day with Moll and if there is an ease in the ground she'll run in the Munster Oaks back here in June.
"She has the ability to go all the way but she has been physically immature and everything she is doing, she is doing on natural ability. You have to be patient."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Flor De La Luna (GB), ridden by S. Foley, placed 2nd, Haparanda ridden by O.J. Orr, placed 4th and Yaxeni (FR), ridden by C.T. Keane, placed 3rd, where it appeared Flor De La Luna(GB) shifted left causing interference to Haparanda and Yaxeni (FR). Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. O.J. Orr stated that his instructions were to arrive late, as he did so he thought he'd win but suffered serious interference. C.T. Keane stated that he had to snatch up following serious interference and his mount did well to hold third place in the circumstances. S. Foley stated that his mount copped the stalls and cocked her jaw and veered left. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Princess Zoe (GER), trained by Anthony Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
S. Foley, rider of Flor De La Luna (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount leaned left throughout and ducked left at the stalls and starter's rostrum.
(TW & EM)
