Kelbelle steps forward to easily land maiden at second attempt

The Joseph O'Brien trained Kelbelle stepped up on a promising debut effort when running out an easy winner of the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Bellewstown.

Fifth at Naas on her introduction earlier this month, the daughter of Inns Of Court benefitted from that outing as she justified 9/4f under Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Breaking well to dispute early, the filly travelled strongly throughout, stretching clear from over 2f out to put six lengths between herself and runner-up Mythical Rock

Dylan Browne McMonagle said: "She pinged the gates and was happy to make the running. We didn't go overly quick and I could dictate things from the front.

"She travelled down past the three (pole) good and never really had to come off the bridle until before the road, and she picked up good.

"She was always going to come on plenty for her first run. She's had a few barrier trials and showed plenty.

"She got to the furlong pole well the last day in Naas on slower ground and just got a little bit tired going to the line, but she got to the line strong today and galloped out good.

"She has got a maiden under her belt now, so hopefully she can keep on improving."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.