Adelana (nearside) just beat Chicago Girl (mostly hidden) at Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
Well-backed from earlier in the day to reverse Tipperary form with Chicago Girl over the longer trip, Adelana just edged things in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Median Auction Maiden at Killarney.
On the day it was announced that Declan McDonogh wouldn't be the retained rider for the Aga Khan in Ireland next year, the pair combined for this success with the chestnut daughter of excellent stamina influence, Manduro.
The pace-setting Chicago Girl again swished her tail as is her wont but you could hardly fault her application. In the end though, after a protracted battle, she had to yield by a short-head to Adelana.
Winning trainer Michael Halford said: "I wasn't that surprised that she got as close to Chicago Girl as the step-up in trip (the extra furlong) helped and things didn't all go to plan at Tipperary.
"She is improving with her racing. She's very straight-forward and loves good ground.
"She stays well too and hopefully she'll get black-type someday. For the minute though we'll see what the handicapper does."
McDonogh meanwhile reported: "I was optimistic that she'd reverse form as she showed a very willing attitude the last day.
"I was confident today – she's a grand placid filly and I'm confident too that she'll progress well with experience." (TW & EM)
