U S Navy Flag Filly Draws Clear To Maiden Success

The progressive Catherine Of Siena (2f U S Navy Flag - Romantic Stroll, by Oratorio) ran out an impressive winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race at Dundalk on Friday evening.

Placed on her three previous starts, the Kevin Coleman-trained filly was sent off second favourite for the six furlong contest and was ridden to make all by Seamie Heffernan. Pushed along from two furlongs out, she was ridden clear a furlong later and ran on to win by five lengths.

“Kevin told me she would win tonight,” Heffernan revealed after the race. “There's plenty of size about her, so I think she will improve.”

The winning trainer added, “We thought a lot of her early on and she had a good run the first day in the Curragh. She has never been out of the money since behind some good horses.”

Owned by Atomic Racing and bred by John Connaughton, Catherine Of Siena continues a promising first season for U S Navy Flag. The well-bred champion two-year-old has been represented by Stakes winners Love Reigns and Ocean Vision, with the latter also placed at Group 2 level.