Talitha routs the field despite market drift

The Paul Deegan trained Talitha Kum ran out an easy winner of the second race at Listowel this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.

Ridden by Chris Hayes the daughter of Chineur opened on track at 7/4 but was friendless in the market and was sent off the 9/4 favourite.

The Jim Bolger trained Tobann was the one for money and she was backed from her opening show of 7/2 into 11/4 at the off.

Talitha Kum soon led after breaking from the stalls and although it looked like Tobann was going to lay down a serious challenge as they entered the straight, the winner found a lot more when asked to go on and she lengthened away to win easily by ten lengths.

Tobann held on to take second under Kevin Manning while Calissa was further half a length back in third under Shane Foley for Jessica Harrington.

Winning trainer Paul Deegan said afterwards: "She did it real well and handled the ground. She put distance between herself and the rest of them.

"She is big filly and has strengthened up with each run. She will be better next year.

"She might go now for the Blenheim Stakes at the Curragh or the Birdcatcher at Naas.

"She has always worked well at home and it is nice to have a good horse for her Italian owner Manuela Martinelli. I’m sure if I suggest going for the Listed Blenheim Stakes next she will be happy with that.

"Colm O’Donoghue said she just didn’t stay the last day (over a mile) and she is more effective over this distance."

The winner was purchased for just €6,200 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearlings Sales in 2011.

(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)