Frankel filly Contingent made a sparkling start to her career with a debut victory at Leopardstown


Contingent made a sparkling start to her career with victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.

A daughter of Frankel out of Group One winner Proportional, there was a good word for Dermot Weld's youngster beforehand and she was sent off the 9/4 favourite in the hands of Pat Smullen.

She showed off impressive acceleration to sweep to the front inside the final quarter-mile and ran right the way to the line to keep another debutant, Awtaad's half-sister Alghabrah, a length and three-quarters at bay.

Weld said: "She's a very talented filly, with a lot of potential, and next spring we'll decide which way we go with her. My immediate reaction was she's more of an Oaks filly, but we'll see what the spring brings.

"She just could be very good, and it takes a good filly to win from stall 18. She has a lot of class and is a lovely big staying filly. She also has plenty of pace."

Of another potential star for Frankel, Weld added: "It was great to see Cracksman win for Frankel yesterday and hopefully this filly won't let him down next year."

Smullen said: "She's a proper filly, she overcame a lot there. I thought it was a very good performance for a filly first time out and there's a lot to look forward to next year."

James Cook got off the mark with a workmanlike performance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden.

An encouraging runner-up to Mcmunigal on his first taste of competitive action at Naas last month, the full-brother to Found was always to the fore and kicked for home at the top of the straight.

Latrobe emerged from the pack and got close in the dying strides but never really looked like beating the Aidan O'Brien-trained 4/7 favourite, who held on by half a length.

O'Brien said: "He's still very green from the front, but you would have to be happy with that. He probably won't run again this year. We will probably leave him alone."


Baroness made a successful first foray outside of maiden company in the Irish Injured Jockeys Nursery Handicap.

Joseph O'Brien threw three arrows at the prize but it was the 7/2 chance who fared best, stretching three and three-quarter lengths clear of Magic Sea.

O'Brien said: "It was nice to see her do that and Donnacha (O'Brien) gave her a lovely ride. I'd imagine that will be it for this season and she should make up into a nice middle-distance filly next year.

"She might progress and get some black type. We always liked her."


Brutal provided leading owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani with another win in the saddle as he carried his own Qatar Racing colours to victory in the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, the three-year-old was the highest-rated horse in the race and cruised around before hitting the front in the straight and beating Circling Moon and Ibsen, with his clearly delighted rider punching the air as he passed the line.

Sheikh Fahad won the same race last year on Labaik, also trained by Elliott.

Elliott said of the 2/1 winner: "He doesn't seem to have the bottle for hurdles and Sheikh Fahad may keep him for these charity races."

Lynne McLoughlin, who won an earlier race in the Corinthian Challenge at the Curragh, was the series winner. She is a work rider with Jessica Harrington.

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo