I Know I Can (left) winning under Ross Coakley© Photo Healy Racing
Ross Coakley made the trip up to Sligo for one ride more than worthwhile by opening his account for the season on I Know I Can in division two of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden for his boss John Oxx.
The son of Roderic O’Connor showed some promise on debut when staying on at Navan last month and but that experience to good use here.
The well-backed 16/5 chance led early in the straight and got well on top in the closing stages to score by two and a quarter lengths.
Laurel Wrath took the runner-up spot with 11/10 favourite Lilandra who broke through the stalls and had to be reloaded, a short head further away in third.
Coakley said, “He’d a nice run the first day where he’d a wide draw and was a bit slow away but finished well when the penny dropped.
“We were happy with his work at home and felt he’d stepped up. He hit the lids a lot sharper today which was important around here and I thought he was very professional through the run.
“I was hoping the one in front would take me along a little bit longer. It’s nice to get that maiden win and hopefully there will be a bit of fun to be had with him.
“The boss had him entered over seven later in the week and I’d have no issue with him stepping up to seven furlongs in future. He was a bit raw and green when he hit the front and hopefully he’ll progress another bit.”
