Salamanca Bay and Mikey Fogarty© Photo Healy Racing
Salamanca Bay galloped his rivals into submission when running out a wide margin winner of the two-mile maiden hurdle at Thurles.
The Jonathan Fogarty-trained gelding was a well supported 15/8 shot and was sent straight into the lead by the trainer's brother Mikey.
The Saint des Saints gelding had his rivals on the stretch going to the third last and streaked clear down the home straight. Despite an untidy leap at the last he went on to post a 43-length win. Showbusiness got up late on to deny Kings Keeper for the runner-up spot.
The winner had been fifth in handicap company at Leopardstown over Christmas having been runner-up in a Clonmel maiden hurdle previously.
"I'm delighted. He went close in Clonmel and ran a fine race in Leopardstown the last day. It was nice to get the win for Mr and Mrs Stennett,” said the winning trainer.
"We'll enjoy today and I'll have a chat with Michael and the owners before making a plan."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
