Goddess looks decent on debut

A grand-daughter of 2005 English 1000 Guineas heroine Virginia Waters, Rain Goddess popped up at odds of 50/1 on her debut to take the Ballylinch Stud EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown under Declan McDonogh. Holiday Girl proved a tough nut to crack up front but Ballydoyle's favourite, Key To My Heart looked like she might find a way past inside the last.

However, once McDonogh, in the pink silks of Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, switched Rain Goddess to come with her challenge from over a furlong out, she quickened best to gain the day by a length. Awtaad s half-sister, Aneen ran encouragingly on debut to finish fourth.

"She's a nice filly. She's straight-forward and Declan gave her a great ride," said winning trainer David Wachman, who recently announced that he's to hand in his licence.

"She'll be a nice filly for Aidan (O'Brien) next year."

(GC & EM)