Lemista wins the Kilboy Estate Stakes (Group 2) for new connections

Lemista was a very impressive winner in Sunday’s Kilboy Estate Stakes (Group 2) at the Curragh racecourse. This was a third consecutive success in stakes races for Lemista, she caused an upset when upstaging Saturday’s Classic heroine Even So in the G3 Park Express S. over a mile at Naas Mar. 23, she then confirmed her class when adding the Listed Victor McCalmont Memorial S. to her tally over an extended nine furlongs at Gowran Park June 19.

Following this success, Lillingston Bloodstock purchased the filly privately on behalf of leading owner Peter Brant. The sale was brokered in partnership with Michel Zerolo of Oceanic Bloodstock.

Fortunately, Lemista knew nothing of the new expectations racing in the famous green colours for the first time. If Colin Keane was aware of the pressure, he gave little away as he reserved the 3-1 second favourite towards the back before launching her to take control 150 yards from the post. At the line, she had 3/4 of a length to spare over Lovelier with Kiss For a Jewel half a length behind in third.

“There is no question she’s a good filly and she proved that Naas wasn’t a fluke,” Lyons said. “At home she doesn’t show this and nor does the filly yesterday. She wants soft ground and has been doing it on conditions which don’t suit her. I always thought at this stage she’d be running over 12 furlongs and it’s testament to her ability that she is winning this over nine. She has oodles of class and the same sort of profile as Even So. She is a filly I’m looking forward to as a 4-year-old.”

Lyons is looking at Champions Day for his star duo and added, “My advice to her new owners would be that she should stay here and enjoy the fillies’ programme until at least the end of next year, as she will get her conditions here. Even So will probably have a prep after a break and then go for the Ascot race [the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S.] and this filly could go for the same race. At that time of the year the ground could be heavy and this one will handle it.”