Sidra stays on stoutly in Gowran Park

Sidra (3/1) was a ready winner of Gowran Park's extended mile and one maiden for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen in the Aga Khan colours.

The three-year-old filly held a prominent position in fourth behind Athassel who dictated matters from the front.

Upon sweeping down past the four pole she sat on the rail in third with Athassel still in front and Burn The Bond second on the outside.

Smullen guided her up to challenge Athassel as the race unfolded in the home straight. She powered into the lead with a quarter of a mile to go and stayed on well to close out the race.

Newcomer Tara Dylan (8/1) kept on to be beaten three lengths into second. Jolyne the 6/4 favourite, never landed a blow on the winner in coming home third.

Pat Smullen said: "She was a bit keen on her first two starts but today she settled beautifully and raced properly. It was an average race and we will see what the handicapper does with her.

"A mile and a quarter or in and around that is probably her right trip. A little bit more ease in the ground wouldn't go astray for her. The track is beautiful today. I'd say she is in the hands of the handicapper now."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy