Lady Of Honour Prevails In Heavyweight Eye Liner Battle

Date: 21-Jun-2023

The red of Holden versus the blue of Ford is a rivalry the people of Ipswich have embraced for decades.

On Saturday they were treated to another fierce horsepower rivalry. This time it was powerhouses Coolmore and Godolphin duking it out in the Listed City Of Ipswich Eye Liner Stakes.

Wearing the navy of Coolmore, the Ben and JD Hayes-trained Lady Of Honour had her work cut out having to start from the extreme outside gate in the field of 16.

With Andrew Mallyon in the saddle, she worked early to settle second in the run. It took some time, but she was able to cross and find a spot. The Godolphin-owned Gravina was not so lucky, posted three-deep trailing Lady Of Honour.

The pair settled down to fight it out in the run home. While Gravina was brave, her wide run told and Lady Of Honour was able to hold on for a nose win, delivering Coolmore bragging rights.

Stable Representative Sarah Fannin who also rides Lady Of Honour in her trackwork, was thrilled that the four-year-old mare was able to win her second black-type race.

“It was fantastic,” Fannin said.

“She’s been great the whole time she’s been in Queensland so it’s just brilliant for her to get the win and great for Coolmore as well.

“She’s a beautiful, big mare. She’s been with us her whole life and we’ve loved having her the whole time.

“We were confident. She was dropping back in class and her work had been super, so we were confident today (Saturday).

“It’s just a great thrill!

“That’s her favourite role to be out in front doing it how she likes it. It was a great ride by Andrew as well.”

Fannin indicated prior to Saturday’s win, they planned to take Lady Of Honour home but they will now see how she pulls up before making a final decision.

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