Prendergast newcomer wins at 40/1

The Kevin Prendergast trained Trevanna caused a 40/1 upset when overcoming trouble in-running and a subsequent stewards’ enquiry, to win on debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden at Down Royal today, under jockey Chris Hayes.

The daughter of Requinto was held up in rear for much of the trip but when asked for an effort with two furlongs to race, was blocked in-running and was sixth with just a furlong to race. Hayes’ mount did quicken nicely in the closing stages and edged to the front late on for a neck win over Hansian Prince

The winner did edge slightly left approaching the line and while an Enquiry was later called, the placings remained unaltered.

Following the race, Hayes quipped “I rang the boss (Prendergast) for instructions and he said to me 'bide your time and see what happens' but it's probably the worst ride I've ever given one of his horses. If I didn't win I'd say there could have been a change of jockey over the weekend (for Champions Weekend)!”

He added “she's tough, tenacious and stuck at it well and would have been an unlucky loser. Hopefully she'll win again and that's the first winner for the boss' daughter Anne (Prendergast, part owner with Trevor McCormack) so I'll be welcome in the house tomorrow anyway.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson