Avida gains all important success

Avida Star gained valuable brackets when taking the bumper at Down Royal for Galway trainer John Bleahen.

The well-bred daughter of Montjeu may not have many more races with connections viewing her as a valuable broodmare.

Mikey Fogarty sent the even-money favourite to the front over two furlongs from home and she always had too much in hand for Cebuano going on for a three-and-a-half length success.

"She's awfully well bred and I was disappointed the first day (at Sligo) as I thought she would win," said Bleahen.

"In fairness she was beaten by a better filly on the night. This family have been awfully good to me.

"She is a potential broodmare. I doubt she'll run over hurdles - I don't think she'll be risked as she's the last of a line. We might have a crack at the Flat with her.

"This family don't know when they are beat and are a dream to train. I've also had the likes of half-brother Canary Wharf - they've all won bumpers for me.

"The owner Frank O'Malley is originally from Galway but lives in Straffan. He's a great breeder and is very patient."