Jolyne off the mark

Jolyne claimed her maiden success with the minimum of fuss in the concluding race at Leopardstown this evening.

Johnny Murtagh 's charge had been placed in two of her three starts prior to tonight and looked to have a good opportunity to get off the mark.

She was uneasy in the market, however, returning a 10/11 shot having been as short as 4/7 this morning.

Pat Smullen was keen to lead in the seven furlong contest and she had her rivals at work over a furlong out.

The Qatar Racing-owned daughter of Makfi kept on well, when asked, inside the final furlong to post a two-length success over Aunt Sally who ran on for second.

"She always showed a nice bit of ability. Hopefully she will improve on this with a bit of confidence. Pat said she would appreciate a bit more ease in the ground," said Murtagh.

It was a first and last race double for Smullen, with Juliette Fair having landed the opener.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)