Kadra and Pat Smullen power home from Desert Haze and Colm O'Donoghue© Photo Healy Racing
Michael Halford's domination of tonight's card at Dundalk intensified when a third race in succession fell the way of the venue's leading trainer with the Aga Khan-owned Kadra triumphing in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Cooley Fillies Stakes.
Pat Smullen rode the Holy Roman Emperor filly, and whilst she edged a bit to her right inside the final furlong there was no disguising her superiority as she beat Ralph Beckett's English raider, Desert Haze by a length.
"She's very genuine and loves the surface. The step up to a mile suited her and it's great to get a Listed win," commented Halford.
"I'll have to see what His Highness wants to do but she could be retired to the paddocks now that she has got her black type."
The earlier Halford winners were both ridden by Shane Foley — First Premio and Chestnut Fire
The Stewards interviewed M. Harley, rider of Mukaabra (GB), concerning his use of the whip in this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he used the whip with his arm above shoulder height and having considered his clean record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
(AM & EM)
