Jessica's Dream, a first ever runner in Ireland for Lincolnshire trainer James Given, ran out a ready winner of the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes at a sun-drenched Cork this afternoon. The well-supported 7/4 favourite arrived full of running to tackle Miss Beabea inside the final furlong, and was ridden out to deny that rival by half-a-length. The filly, who was partnered by Mick Fenton, will now be upped in grade, with races like the Nunthorpe Stakes and Prix de l'Abbaye likely to be on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Jazz Beat confirmed the good impression created at Gowran Park last year when capturing the 1m 2f race with the minimum of fuss under Pat Smullen for trainer Dermot Weld. Edgar Byrne saddled his first winner since taking out a training license in March when 16/1 shot Carrie Me Home outgunned her rivals in the 5f handicap. The 27 year-old, who has thirteen victories as an amateur jockey to his credit, has a string of twelve at his Curragh yard and indicated that the four year-old is likely to be kept busy during the summer.
Helen Keohane, who rode her first winner at Clonmel on Thursday, doubled her career tally as Lorli turned the 6f handicap into a procession. Over the sticks, newly-crowned champion jockey Paul Carberry was the man in form, registering a 37/1 double on Minella Leisure and Ridgewood Water. The Meathman's rides for Michael Hourigan are always worthy of the closest scrutiny, and Minella Leisure gave the pair another success when comfortably landing the 2m4f novice hurdle.
The 2m5f handicap chase produced a thrilling finish, with Ridgewood Water just edging out Quality First after the pair had flown the final fence together. Aimees Mark contained the late thrust of top-weight Sum Leader in the opening 2m4f handicap hurdle and is likely to go for a similar contest in the near future, according to trainer Francis Flood. Proud Leader ensured punters went home happy when just lasting out in the bumper.
Filed by Shane Murray
