Irish eyes were smiling at Ipswich today, when great training, great race placement, a favourable barrier draw, and a delightful ride from Jaden Lloyd gave Irish Ace a very good headstart to display her wares, and that she did!
Out to a mile for the first time after a strong finish over 1400m last start, the daughter of Swiss Ace jumped well and settled well in what became quite a messy race with stop-start tactics up front.
It was a very patient ride by Jaden where you could almost see him telling himself to wait, and predicting the leaders would come back to the field and the gap opening up at the top of the straight. It all became reality when the gap arrived and he helped the mare charge through with ears pinned back as she was challenged, holding a 0.2 length advantage to the line.
Patience has been the key with Irish; it is only this campaign that she has become a mature racehorse knowing what this racing game is all about and able to have the scope to extend her journeys. Hopefully that now continues to reward her patient owners.
Congratulations to all in what has been great start to the new racing season for the team at Esprit Racing!