Siamsaiocht gets off the mark

Jim Bolger's Siamsaiocht found plenty in the closing stages to claim the opening Athassel House Stud EBF Maiden at Tipperary this afternoon.

Ronan Whelan soon had his mount in front in the nine-furlong contest but she ran freely at the head of affairs in first time blinkers.

The daughter of Teofilo dug deep in the straight, however, to repel the challenge of Dawenkour by half a length. 11/8 favourite Cole Porter was three-parts-of-a-length back in third.

The 3/1 winner had been third in a hot maiden behind Anamba and Coolmore on her previous run at Leopardstown.

"She was smartly away and the blinkers sharpened her up and if anything she was doing a little too much," said Whelan.

"She became relaxed out in front and I always felt I was holding the second. The blinkers had the desired effect.

"Hopefully she will get some black-type now, and even get her head in front in one. Her form suggests she will."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)