Miracle Nation a popular winner for Prendergast

Just seven lined-up for the Murphy International Supporting Relay For Life Maiden, with early morning market leaders First Gentleman (going) and Desert Haven (temperature) both taken out.

The Kevin Prendergast-trained Miracle Nation was initially a 7/2 chance for this six-furlong contest, but with the defection of the aforementioned pair, she eventually went off the clear favourite at 11/10.

An eye-catching fourth on debut when 100/1 over the course and distance last month, the Michael Shefflin-owned victor raced towards rear in the early stages, making smooth progress on the outer from the two-furlong pole.

Pushed along to lead inside the final 200 yards, she quickly shot clear, coming home three-and-a-quarter lengths to the good under Gary Halpin.

For the fifth time in his career, Blue News (7/4) had to settle for second under Andrew Slattery for his father Andy, while Double Jabbed was a neck away in third.

"We have her about three or four months. She was ready for the Breeze Up and didn’t pass the vet," Prendergast, who was recording his first winner of the season, commented.

"She ran here at the last meeting at the Curragh and came on a bit from that.

"She's in the Newmarket Sales and whether she goes there or not I'm not sure.

"She could improve as we haven't had her that long. He's not a bad sire that Sioux Nation."

STEWARDS REPORT

A.J. Slattery, rider of Blue News (USA), trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right from a furlong and a half out.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee