Glowing holds off Luminous to land spoils

Report: Fairyhouse, Wednesday

Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F Brownstown Stakes (Group 3) 7f, fillies and mares, 3yo+

GLOWING just held off the late thrust of Luminous Eyes in a thrilling finish to the Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse on Wednesday evening. 

Fran Berry: had a willing partner

  PICTURE: Caroline Norris  

The win by the Charles O'Brien-trained filly was an unexpected 20-1 success for owners Coolmore, who looked to have a stronger chance with the Aidan O'Brien-trained 2-1 favourite Heart Shaped.

There were no hiding places early on, as Monivea set a scorching gallop up front, tracked by Glowing and Luminous Eyes.

Monivea came under pressure with three furlongs to run but stuck on gamely before being challenged and passed by the chasing pair.

Heart Shaped and Kalidaha, who raced in the middle of the field, also started to thrown down a challenge but the former suffered trouble in-running, twice running up blind alleys under jockey Seamie Heffernan.

There were no such concerns for Glowing, who responded willingly to jockey Fran Berry and just hold a rallying 8-1 chance Luminous Eyes by a short head.

The Aga Khan-owned Kalidaha came home third for trainer John Oxx and jockey Mick Kinane while there was a no-show from the British-trained pair Chantilly Tiffany and Festoso.

O'Brien said: "It was a pretty hot race and I wasn't expecting her to win. She's improving all of the time - her attitude is improving.

"This filly has grown up a lot this year, she was a big child last year."

He added: "Her ideal trip is over seven furlongs or a mile. She is from a stamina-laden family, but speed is obviously her game.

"She may go to the sales at Newmarket, we will have to see what the owners want to do."