Maids Causeway Coronation queen
The Barry Hills-trained filly got the better of a thrilling finish to the Group One contest, seeing off the persistent and dogged challenge of Karen’s Caper by a short head.
She failed to return to the reception awaiting her in the winner’s enclosure, however, as she was sent away to receive medical attention to a pricked foot sustained when she lost a shoe during the race.
Despite sweating up freely at the start in the humid conditions, Maids Causeway was able to take her usual prominent pitch in the early stages behind Mona Lisa.
She swept to the front three furlongs out, Michael Hills boldly striking for home down the middle of the track.
First it appeared as if Cape Columbine was going to throw down a challenge, but the David Elsworth-trained filly faltered close home as her stamina gave way.
Then it was Karen’s Caper and Jimmy Fortune who came out of the pack, but although the runner-up briefly got her head in front, Maids Causeway gamely held off her challenge.
Mona Lisa plugged on for third under Jamie Spencer, but she was three and a half lengths further adrift.
Fellow Irish runners Damson and Virginia Waters both turned in disappointing displays.
Bought by New York-born financial trader Martin Schwartz at the end of last season, Maids Causeway’s future programme may now be geared towards a challenge at the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Belmont Park in his home city.
Her trainer is looking forward to what is to come for the filly, of whom he has long held a high opinion.
“Full marks to her, she is seriously tough,” said Hills snr. “I don’t think she would mind going over a mile and a quarter and I would be excited about trying her over the trip.
“She really deserved to win a Group One, especially after what happened in Ireland last time when she got left on her own when everything else switched to the faster strip.
“The Breeders’ Cup is obviously going to be on her agenda, and I have entered her in the American Oaks too.”
Spencer, riding for Aidan O’Brien for the first time since his split from Ballydoyle, said of Mona Lisa: “It was a big run. She was a lovely filly last year and has shown her form from last year today. She should have a good end to the year.”
Damson’s trainer David Wachman was at a loss to explain his filly’s poor performance.
He said: “She didn’t seem to fire - no reasons and no excuses. Her work at home was good, it just didn’t happen today.”
