Akira and Joseph O'Brien (right) beat Tamadhor© Photo Healy Racing
Akira wore down the front-running Tamadhor in the closing stages to win on her first start for Aidan O'Brien at Cork this afternoon.
Only three went to post for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Race, over a mile, but it served up a good finish.
11/8 favourite Tamadhor was ridden along two furlongs from home but stuck on well in front.
6/4 shot Akira, wearing a hood and tongue-tie for the first time, was asked for her effort over a furlong out and knuckled down well in the closing stages to get on top in the last 50 yards for a three-parts-of-a-length victory.
The winner had been Listed placed three times for Shay Barry last season.
Winning rider Joseph O'Brien said:- "She settled well and quickened up well. The ground was plenty slow enough but she coped with it well.
"We'll try to get more black type with her. She's settled in well and is a very uncomplicated filly."
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
