Saturday 15 September 2018
The mighty daughter of SIYOUNI put up one of her most dazzling performances to win the Gr.1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown today. The three-year-old filly was facing no easy task with four-time Group 1 winner Alpha Centauri as well as Group 1 winners Clemmie and Happily lining up in the race.
After having taken a good start, her jockey Daniel Tudhope let the long striding filly lead in front and asked her to quicken early after the turn. LAURENS was never in danger and was a game winner ahead of Alpha Centauri and Clemmie.
Trainer Karl Burke said after the race: “That's probably the highlight of my career so far, she's an incredible filly. We could have looked silly coming back to a mile from a mile and a half, but after the Yorkshire Oaks we were adamant she didn't stay. It's unfortunate for PJ he got injured, but credit to him for being here today to support her and Danny gave her a great ride. We weren't going to complicate things, her asset is her huge long stride, we didn't want to get messed around by any team tactics. She's a huge engine and we said we'd kick early.”
This represents the fourth Group 1 victory of John Dance’s filly after the Prix de Diane, Prix Saint-Alary and Fillies’ Mile. She could now be targeted at the Sun Chariot Stakes. Bred by Melchior-François Mathet at Haras de Bourgfontaine, she was sold by Anna Sundström at Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale.
Her sire SIYOUNI is enjoying another stellar season with 10 Stakes winners and 11 Stakes performers.
Updated on 15/09/2018.
