Shiramiyna takes opener as expected

The opening race on the second day of the Killarney July Festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden went to the 8/11 favourite Shiramiyna for the in form team of John Oxx and Johnny Murtagh.

The 3yo daughter of Invincible Spirit was expected to get off the mark here after finishing fourth on her debut at Limerick before going down by a length and three parts on her next start, which was just last Thursday evening at Leopardstown.

On that last run she was sent off the 11/10 favourite but came up short against the exciting prospect Teo's Sister.

Today however, she made all and kept on well inside the final furlong to record a convincing victory by a length and a quarter from Ondeafears (who was making her Irish debut) at 16/1 for Mick Halford and Gary Carroll. Comedic Art for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen completed the placings a further two lengths back in third at 5/1.

John Oxx was not present for the win but winning rider Johnny Murtagh said afterwards: "The ground was a bit quick for her at Leopardstown but she enjoyed the surface this evening better."