Faiyum demolishes rivals in Group 3

Frankel filly Faiyum excelled in the testing ground to stretch seven lengths clear in the Group 3 Denny Cordell Lavarack and Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes on Saturday as Colin Keane continues to close in on Dylan Browne McMonagle in the race to be crowned Ireland's champion Flat jockey.

Taken from the Racing Post 20th September 2025, by Conor Fennelly:

Trained by Ger Lyons, Faiyum looked an exciting prospect when scoring at Naas and Killarney, and she did little to dent that reputation when chasing home Barnavara in Group 3 company at Naas in June, with the winner advertising the form excellently when landing the Blandford Stakes last weekend.

Given how far the pair pulled clear on that occasion, punters were always going to latch on to it, and Faiyum was heavily backed from a morning price of 9-4 into 5-6 favouritism close to the off before giving her supporters no cause for concern throughout the nine and a half furlong contest. The Frankel filly barely saw a rival as Keane was still sitting motionless approaching the two-furlong pole while everyone else was hard at work in behind, and she breezed clear to record a hugely impressive victory, clearly revelling in the heavy ground.

Keane continues to make ground on Browne McMonagle in the title race, recording a treble at Naas on Thursday and a double at Dundalk on Friday, and this success brought him within two of the lead. Lyons was confident conditions would suit Faiyum and is in no hurry to turn her out again this season.

"We said she'd grow a leg on this ground, that's why we've been so patient with her," he said. "She's twice the filly now than she was earlier on in the year and when second to Barnavara. I'm not in any rush with her and I'm not sure there's anything for her over ten furlongs. We'll talk to Barry [Mahon, Juddmonte racing manager] about whether we'll wait and have a proper campaign on soft ground next year."