John O'Riordan
Alessia Fernanda opens account in finale at Cork
Chris Hayes won the finale at Cork on Tuesday
© Photo Healy Racing
Having shown promise on a couple of occasions earlier in the season, the Dermot Weld trained Alessia Fernanda recorded a first success when staying on well under Chris Hayes to win the Follow Us On Twitter Handicap at Cork.
Dropping back in trip with first-time blinkers applied, the four-year-old was sent in pursuit of leader Warazam early in the straight.
Finding plenty once drawing alongside inside the final furlong, the 6/1 chance finished off her race strongly to get up for a narrow three-quarter-length win.
Kris Weld said: "She has had some good runs all summer and she tries hard every day. She is a grand filly, deserved that and the ground was a little quick for her the last day but she still ran a good race. She was back a furlong in distance today and won nicely.
"To win with 10st1lb always takes a bit of doing, no matter what the grade, and we're delighted with her.
"Ben (Curtin) has had horses with us for years, had a winner with us at Galway last year so it is lovely to get another for him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.