Coakley bags first of year on Waystar Waystar sprang a 20/1 shock to open her account in the finale at Dundalk this evening, for trainer John McConnell. It was another race where plenty had chances in the straight but Ross Coakley produced his mount with a strong surge to lead in the closing stages of the mile-and-a-half handicap. She had three-parts-of-a-length to spare at the line as three rivals, headed by Porsche Lad, finished in a bunch on the far side to fill the places. Waystar, a daughter of Postponed, was making her 14th career start and had been sixth on her last three outings at the track. Ross Coakley said: "To be fair, we haven't had many bullets to fire yet but it is always great to get the first one out of the way (since returning to Ireland). "She is a filly that did it nicely on the night. I thought looking at her previous form that, although she was a maiden coming into it, I thought she ran plenty of promising races. "John was confident that she was in a better place going into today's run. We had a good draw and, in this grade around here, it makes a big difference of lengths here and there. "I got a nice position and she travelled into it well. When she got there up the straight, she picked up well. Hopefully, she can win again." On his return to Ireland, he added: "When the opportunity kind of came about of basing myself back in Ireland again, I was very happy to take it "To be associated with Mr Bolger, it is a big thing for me. A very prestigious yard and a legend of a man. I'm very lucky to be kind of where I am at the minute there. I'm enjoying being part of the team and he has been very supportive of me. "Hopefully, we can reward it sooner rather than later and get a winner on the board for them." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
