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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Sanibel strikes for Harrington

Tue 7th May 2024, 15:32

Bay Of Sanibel and Shane Foley (right) win from Minella Mate (left) with Zoffman (centre)Bay Of Sanibel and Shane Foley (right) win from Minella Mate (left) with Zoffman (centre)
© Photo Healy Racing

Bay Of Sanibel showed a terrific attitude to land the Cuscak Hotel Group Handicap at Navan for Jessica Harrington.

Shane Foley was prominent throughout in the mile-six contest on the Sea The Stars filly and she took a narrow lead two furlongs from home.

She was soon joined by Zoffman and then Minella Mate though and had to dig deep in the closing stages to record a half length win over the latter.

The 2/1 favourite had been second on her return to action here 10 days ago and assistant Kate Harrington said:-

“We're very happy with that. She was a bit unlucky the last time because the horse came quick and late and she didn't quite see it.

“She really ground it out there and I think the cheekpieces helped her, not because she's not trying but it just makes her concentrate a little bit more.

“It would lovely if she would just keeping stepping forward and we might try and find another handicap before we go into Listed or Group company, I do think she will end up that in the autumn time.

“She's a very big filly. She was in the mares sale in Deauville and Cathy (Grassick) spotted her, she did a great job.

“We didn't get her until the middle of last year, she's a gorgeous filly.

“A real fast run mile-six or two miles will really suit her, she'd have something to aim at. When she has to go and make it a test of stamina Shane has to do a lot of hard work.”

1st
2/1Fav
Tote €3.00 €1.10
2nd
0.5L
9/2
€1.60
3rd
0.5L
3/1
€1.40
4th
hd
33/1
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.