Search

UK: Joyeuse makes winning bow

Joyeuse, a half-sister to the mighty Frankel, made a successful racecourse debut at Lingfield on Tuesday evening.

Trained by Sir Henry Cecil, the Oasis Dream filly was sent off the 10-11 favourite for the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over six furlongs and sporting a hood, she took a keen hold in the early stages.

Tom Queally managed to settle her in behind front-runner Prisca before switching wide to challenge around two furlongs out and though she took a few strides before the penny really started to drop, Joyeuse picked up in stylish fashion in the final furlong, eventually coming home three and a quarter lengths clear of Dancealot.

Joyeuse, like Frankel, is owned by Khalid Abdullah, and his racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe was pleased to see the filly strike at the first time of asking.

He said: "With a filly like this you are always a bit apprehensive because the amount of expectation is so enormous.

"The great thing is she settled really well, had a bit of a look around when she came through and went on to win the race quite comfortably."

Queally said: "The ground was on the slow side and better ground might play to her strengths. She was quite green but went about her business quite nicely. I'm sure better things will be ahead."

BetVictor offer 25-1 about Joyeuse for next year's 1000 Guineas, but Royal Ascot could be a more immediate aim.

Grimthorpe added: "Whether Henry would like to go seven furlongs, I don't know. We've talked about the Albany Stakes, but we'll have to see when she gets back."


At The Races

today's racing

Error occured
{{disciplineGroup.DisciplineFullText}}
{{course.CountryName || course.Country}}