Foley up and running with Yermanthere

Yermanthere forged home best in the final furlong of the Fermoy Maiden on yielding to soft ground in Cork to bring Patrick Foley his first success in the training ranks.

The rain had got into the ground leading to a going change after the third race and Yermanthere fairly sluiced through it.

He began to move ahead of Elanora in the final furlong and kept increasing the gap to the line.

He scored by a length and a quarter under Luke McAteer from fast-finishing Notre Belle Bete who was never nearer in second.

The winner went off at 11/4 having been available at double those odds in the morning.

Notre Belle Bete was the same price and got past third-placed Elanora (11/1) by a head. New York Angel the 13/8 favourite, didn't fire in fifth.

Trainer Pat Foley said: "I've hit the crossbar a few times lately but it is nice to get the first winner. I got my interim license when my father (Tom Foley) passed away and I did the course two months ago.

"I have 15 in training, a 50/50 mix of flat and jumpers and they have been running well without winning. Hopefully we can get a few more over the winter.

"I am full-time training now and it is a family operation. My sisters are all involved and Goretti rides him every day - they work hard so it is great for the yard. I'm happy to training anything and have room for more.

"We'll see what the handicapper does with him, we were waiting for an ease in the ground and we'll probably go for a handicap next. He should improve from three to four and could be sold.

"We are very lucky to have a horse like him in the yard, especially with owners like Ray McSharry (namesake and son of former Tanaiste) and Jim Browne, from Donadee. I can't thank them enough."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes