Emulous Flies to Victory in Matron Stakes

Emulous continued a terrific racing season for Juddmonte Farm when she swept past Together to win the $255,500 Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes (Ire-I) by three widening lengths at Leopardstown Sept. 3.

The 4-year-old daughter of Dansili, who is trained by Dermot Weld, was making her debut in group I company after having notched three previous victories at the group III level.

A field of eight fillies went to the post in the Matron, led by the Aidan O’Brien-trained trio of Misty For Me, Together, and Wild Wind. Misty For Me, who had captured the Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes (Ire-I) in her previous start, was sent off as the slight 6-4 favorite by the betting public.

At the break it was Ballybacka Lady who went to the front to set the pace under jockey Fran Berry. They were tracked closely by Seamie Heffernan aboard Misty For Me, with Barefoot Lady and Emiyna following them. Pat Smullen kept Emulous anchored at the rear of the pack through the early stages of the race, getting her to relax as she ran on a loose rein.

Ballybacka Lady continued hold onto a slight lead as the field made the turn for home. As the fillies entered the straightaway, Heffernan made his move aboard Misty For Me and they quickly pulled alongside Ballybacka Lady to battle for the lead. Hot on their heels was Together, who soon joined the front pair after moving up from fifth under Colm O’Donoghue.

On the far outside Emulous was making a bold move as she charged from last. She swept past the leaders within the final furlong to win convincingly.

Together finished second, with Misty For Me another length farther back in third. The final time for the eight furlongs was 1:38.40 over a course listed as good.

The victory improved Emulous’ record to six wins from 10 starts; she has only been out of the money once in her career. A delighted Weld told reporters after the race, “It’s lovely to train a group I winner for Prince Khalid (Abdullah) and she has been very consistent.”

Weld continued, “She’s a very talented filly and we’ll probably look at the Sun Chariot (Eng-I, Sept. 24) at Newmarket for her next.”

Emulous was bred in England by her owner. She is out of the winning Distant View mare, Aspiring Diva, and is a full sister to the stakes winner Daring Diva.