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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Rivals didn't have a prayer against Ladies Church

Wed 21st Jul 2021, 18:34

Ladies Church and Ben Coen  Ladies Church and Ben Coen
© Photo Healy Racing

Ladies Church (3/1) stamped her authority on the Listed Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes, coming through to lead over a furlong out and going on to readily defeat Pennine Hills (10/3) by two and a quarter lengths.

Middleham raider Sophie’s Star (7/2 into 9/4 favourite on the show) led early, racing wide of her rivals, but had to settle for third place in the end.

The Johnny Murtagh-trained winner, a daughter of Churchill who cost 160,000 Euros as a yearling, had won a maiden over the minimum distance at Tipperary on her previous start having started off over six furlongs when fourth at Cork.

Winning rider Ben Coen commented: “She was very good. Mark (Dobbin) is a new owner (for the yard) and I'm delighted to get one for him, he's invested a lot into Irish racing.

“She's improved again from Tipperary. I think she'll get six and I like her, I think she's smart.

“She picked up, then idled a bit when she got there. I think she's good and she can only get better as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson

1st
3/1
Tote €3.50 €2.10
2nd
2.25L
10/3
€1.90
3rd
1.75L
9/4Fav
4th
4.25L
250/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.