Making her North American debut, the maiden Roan Inish swept past pacesetting Resentless along the rail in deep stretch to win the $232,235 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Woodbine Oct. 31.
Robert J. Costigan's homebred Elusive Quality miss won in her first start for the owner's daughter, trainer Carolyn Costigan. Sent off at odds of 11-1, Roan Inish posted a one-length triumph in Woodbine's premier test for for Canadian-foaled 2-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles.
Costigan's Arravale earned 2006 Sovereign Award honors as Canada’s Horse of the Year and female turf champion.
Ridden by David Moran, Roan Inish broke inwardly from the gate and raced from off the pace in mid-pack as Resentless, under Chantal Sutherland, took the eight-horse field through opening splits of :24.66, :48 flat, and 1:12.01.
Still in front while cruising down the lane, Resentless appeared to be in control until Roan Inish, racing on Polytrack for the first time, battled into contention along the inside. Put to a drive by Moran, Roan Inish snatched the lead away past the eighth pole and went under the wire in 1:46.23. Resentless held for second while 11-10 favorite Ernfold was third for jockey James McAleney, beaten four lengths.
Roan Inish had raced three times previously in Ireland for trainer Jim Bolger, all on the turf, but the bay filly came up with her best effort in the Princess Elizabeth. The Ontario-bred had come into the race off an eighth-place finish in the Park Stakes (Ire-III) at the Curragh Sept. 27.
After finishing second in her career bow June 26, a seven-furlong grass race, Roan Inish finished a disappointing 11th as the favorite in her second start, a six-furlong race over "soft" going at Leopardstown July 23.
Roan Inish, who is out of the Regal Classic mare Inish Glora, could use this race as a stepping stone to next year’s prestigious Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser.
She earned $138,675 for the victory and paid $25, $12.40, and $5.90, combining with Resentless ($4.10, $3.30) for a $109 exacta. Ernfold paid $2.30 to show and completed a $250.60 trifecta.
