Hanalia improves on debut run to shed maiden tag for Murtagh

The Johnny Murtagh trained Hanalia stepped up on a promising introduction at Gowran Park earlier this month to run out a commanding winner of the Revamp Conservation And Restoration Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at the Curragh.

Held up towards rear by Ben Coen in the first part of the race, the Aga Khan owned filly sat sixth entering the straight as Lily Hart made the running.

Switched out to move closer in third over a furlong out, the daughter of Sea The Stars quickened up nicely to soon head the long time leader and go on to win by a-length-and-a-quarter.

Johnny Murtagh said: “She ran really well in Gowran and I was worried about the ground but Ben said the Gowran ground was a lot worse than today. She got through it well.

“She’s not a slow filly. He said they didn’t go quick and he loved the way she travelled into the race. She quickened up and hit the line well.

“It’s a good trip for her and I wouldn’t be sticking her up to a mile and a half yet.

“The Oaks Trial at Naas could be a possibility for her.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.