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| Staff Writer |
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Layfayette returned to her winning ways in the Gr.3 Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh, much to the delight of trainer Noel Meade and jockey Colin Keane. Despite being the 15/8 favourite, Layfayette set out to lead the pack over the 1m2f distance, having previously proven herself in Listed company at the Curragh.
As the race progressed, Layfayette held her position in fifth place while her five rivals passed the three-pole and entered the straight. Keane made a move, pushing Layfayette into third position with just a quarter of a mile left to go. The six-year-old gelding was then urged on to chase down the leader as they approached the final furlong.
Meanwhile, Unless, ridden by Seamie Heffernan, was fighting hard but Layfayette was steadily closing the gap. In the final 75 yards, Layfayette made her move and overtook Unless to secure victory. With a strong finish, Layfayette crossed the finish line three-parts of a length ahead, much to the joy of her connections. Her odds of 7/2 proved to be a winning bet.
Trainer Noel Meade Celebrates One-Three Finish
Trainer Noel Meade celebrated a one-three finish in the race, as Layfayette's stablemate, Helvic Dream, finished third, just over two lengths behind the winner. This victory marked Layfayette's ninth career success, with four of those wins achieved at the Curragh racecourse.
Noel Meade said, “I was disappointed in Naas, but he had to get some treatment on his back and he needed time off and just got stuffy. He blew up in Naas. I know that was over a mile and a-half which stretches him a bit, but he’s an older horse and takes a bit of work.
“He loves this place. He loves the long straight and this place and Naas suits him well. In Group 2's and Group 3's he’s very competitive.
“He’ll probably go for the mile and a half race on Champions Weekend in Leopardstown if there is an ease in the ground.
“Gary (Carroll) said that Helvic Dream gave him a great feel and moved well. We might try and stretch him out to a mile and a-half because later in the year, on the ground that he wants, there are not that many races over a mile and a-quarter.
“There horses are very hard to find, you don’t come across them too often for reasonable money.”