Stunning finish from La Fogata lights up Punchestown

La Fogata has Group Three ambitions after producing a tremendous burst to claim the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden in the only Flat meeting of the year at Punchestown.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly (3-1) came around the final bend in second-to-last place as favourite Lookingforarainbow and Zermatt Star pushed for home.

The pair moved clear of the field, but further back six-time Irish champion Colin Keane switched La Fogata to the outside and she immediately began to pick up pace.

She remained towards the rear as they passed the furlong pole, but breezed past her rivals with a terrific turn of foot to seal a somewhat comfortable half-length victory, ahead of Aidan O’Brien’s pair of White Sand Beach and Cameo.

Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said: “We’re delighted for (owners) Tom and Max Wachman and Max O’Reilly Hyland.

“I think it’s the first winner in their own colours. They were very famous colours for Mr and Mrs Magnier.

“She did that well, her next race will be the Silken Glider at the Curragh on October 21. She seems to appreciate a big, galloping track and Colin feels she’ll get a little bit further next year.

“Although she’s by Mehmas, we can only do what she’s showing us and she’s showing us that she wants that trip.

“The main aim now is the next race, a Group Three, to try to get black type. She was fourth in a Group Three last time so to get one place further would be a good season for her.”

He went on: “She’s a funny filly, she jumps smart enough, but she can be a little bit timid and lets them go in front. Fair play to Colin, he used his head by not forcing her.

“They might have gone a little bit quick on a testing track and she looked good in the straight.”

O’Brien did not have to wait long to get a winner, however, as Port Of Spain prevailed at the third time of asking in the Punchestown Is Back Maiden.

The St Mark’s Basilica colt was always in contention in the hands of Ronan Whelan and kicked forward as they hit the final straight.

Port Of Spain never surrendered his lead despite strong finishes from Michael O’Callaghan debutant Back Straight and stablemate Cape Cod, justifying his tag as 5-4 favourite in the half-length triumph.

Chris Armstrong, racing secretary to the Ballydoyle handler, said: “He had two lovely runs in hot Curragh maidens so I suppose on form he was the top pick.

“It was a bit messy from the start but in fairness, Ronan got him in and got him going. He hit the line well.

“Ronan felt there is plenty of improvement in him. That trip is perfect for him at the moment.

“I suppose he’ll be in the mix for the Beresford or he could even step up for the Eyrefield.

“We’ll see how he comes through it, but he’s definitely a stakes horse in the making.

“The sire has been very good to us and is absolutely flying now. We have a lovely bunch of them and you’d love to have more. They are going the right way.”