Ger Lyons-trained juvenile kept on well for impressive success.
Chantez Triumphs in Style for Lyons and Keane at Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes
In a race brimming with expectation, Chantez delivered a standout performance at Leopardstown, securing a thrilling victory in the Ballylinch Stud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes. The win marked the third triumph in this event for the formidable duo of Ger Lyons and Colin Keane, further cementing their dominance in this prestigious juvenile contest.
What made Chantez’s win even more remarkable was the fact that she didn’t have a flawless race. Lyons, reflecting on her performance, quipped, "Colin said she saw the photographers. She did everything wrong today and still won." Despite her inexperience showing in brief moments of greenness, especially after hitting the front, the 6-5 favourite was undeniably commanding at the finish line. Her power, combined with her raw talent, was enough to hold off the field and claim a convincing victory.
For Lyons, the win is part of a broader story about his exceptional squad of juvenile fillies this season. Chantez has been performing exceptionally well, standing tall in a team that also includes the Juddmonte-owned Babouche and Red Letter, both of whom have shown great promise this term. Babouche has been described as "fantastic and push-button" by Lyons, while Red Letter is held in even higher regard. When asked to rank his trio of rising stars, Lyons remarked, "Red Letter, potentially over a trip. Babouche is fantastic and push-button, but I'd have Red Letter all day." Such praise sets up an exciting winter and spring for Lyons’ camp, as these fillies prepare for bigger targets in the coming year.
Impressive stuff from Chantez 👏@ctkjockey holds on to claim @BallylinchStud Irish EBF Ingabelle Stakes success in today's curtain raiser 👑#itallcomesdowntothispic.twitter.com/tavhWwjUqa
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) September 14, 2024
Despite this glowing lineup, Lyons remains pragmatic. "Getting one for each race is a struggle, so having three to go to war with over the winter is something to really look forward to." It’s not just about talent—it’s about finding the right opportunities and managing expectations. When it comes to Chantez, her future remains a bit uncertain, with Lyons keeping options open. "We won't make a decision for a week or two. Coming into this it was ‘put her away until next year,’ but it's all about ground as she's a top-of-the-ground filly."
The trainer’s hesitation is understandable. Chantez, a filly with enormous potential, is still developing, both physically and mentally. "There is not much of her," Lyons admitted, adding that any plans would hinge on conversations with Maurice Regan and PJ Colville, as well as how she emerges from this latest success. At present, however, the most likely scenario involves giving her a break, with the focus shifting to 2024.
While Chantez is already proving her worth, Lyons remains fully aware of the delicate balance required to maximize her potential. The young filly’s journey has only just begun, and Lyons is determined not to rush her progress. Her campaign will be closely monitored, with her team carefully weighing up when and where to race her next. What’s clear is that, for now, Lyons is content with her achievements, saying, "If we didn't have Babouche and Red Letter, you'd be very high on this one going into next spring."
But Chantez’s potential isn’t going unnoticed by bookmakers. Following her impressive performance, Betfair and Paddy Power have slashed her odds for next year’s 1000 Guineas to 33-1, signaling a growing belief that she could be a force to reckon with in the coming season. It’s a reflection of the buzz that’s building around Lyons’ stable, particularly with the standout performances being put in by his juvenile fillies.
Keane, Ireland’s champion jockey, has had plenty of success with Lyons in recent years, and this race was no different. In the Ingabelle Stakes, Keane positioned Chantez perfectly throughout the race, biding his time before allowing her to make her move. When she hit the front, there was a slight jink as her inexperience came through, but her natural talent took over, and she surged home to claim a commanding win.
"She’s a lovely filly," Lyons said after the race. "I'm surprised how green she ran because in her first two starts she didn't show any greenness." That only serves to highlight the sheer ability Chantez possesses—if this is how she performs while still learning, one can only imagine what she’ll achieve once she matures.
As the dust settles on Leopardstown, one thing is clear: Chantez’s win is just the beginning. With a winter of careful planning ahead, Lyons, Keane, and their team have much to look forward to as they nurture a filly with sky-high potential. Whether she lines up for the 1000 Guineas next year or targets another major race, Chantez will undoubtedly be one to watch. Her raw talent, combined with the expertise of her connections, could make her a dominant force in juvenile racing for seasons to come.
Chantez’s win highlights not just her own incredible potential, but the strength of Lyons' entire stable. The balance between patience and ambition is key in racing, and Lyons' careful approach with his juvenile fillies could set him up for another stellar season. Chantez, Babouche, and Red Letter each bring something unique to the table, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how their campaigns unfold. For Chantez, this victory was a significant step forward, but the bigger tests are still to come.
