Ferrybank and Chris Hayes © Photo Healy Racing
The Ted Walsh-trained Ferrybank justified favourtism with a convincing win in the six-furlong maiden at Dundalk.
The son of Cable Bay was smartly away from his wide draw in stall 13 to grab the lead.
Chris Hayes' mount always looked to be holding nearest challenger Zen Silence in the closing stages as he recorded a two length success.
The 11/8 winner was making the breakthrough at the sixth attempt and had been placed on his previous two visits to the track.
Walsh said:- “His form was plenty good enough to win and he probably wants seven (furlongs). He broke smart from a bad draw and won well.
“He’s a grand sound, honest horse and will win plenty of races.
“He’s improving with each run. He loves fast ground so he’ll come back here.
“Colin Keane rode him the first day and thought he wouldn’t be out of the money but said he just got held up on the gluey ground.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)