Claonadh lands gamble on debut

Claonadh landed a gamble to win on debut at the Curragh today as the Willie McCreery trained filly won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under jockey Bill Lee.

The daughter of Alhebayeb opened a 22/1 chance on the opening show but returned a well backed 10/1 chance and in the race displayed signs of greeness but eventually beat runner-up Coins Cross by a length and a quarter.

Group 1 winning trainer McCreery later stated “the name was the hint (Claonadh is the Irish for the trainer and ex-footballer's home town of Clane)!”

He added “she’s a different filly on that ground. She missed the kick and was a bit back but Billy said she did it all very easy and went to pull herself up when she hit the front.

“What more could you ask for first time out and she quickened up nicely.

“She was very weak at the start of the year and is after growing into herself. She’s a hardy little devil and we will see what is there for her in the spring time.”

Quotes from Alan Magee