Heart In The Air and Conor Hoban© Photo Healy Racing
Offered at as big as 11/2 earlier in the day, Heart In The Air (9/4 favourite) landed the gamble in convincing style in the concluding Dundalk Stadium Maiden.
Back from a couple of reasonably encouraging spins over flights, Conor Hoban was aboard this Cape Cross filly, for the first time in a race, for Tyrone-based owner Francis Campbell, and trainer Andy Oliver.
The patiently ridden Heart In The Air got the better of On The Motorway who put up a bold showing for a 66/1 hope, by three and a half lengths.
"She did it well. She'd never gone on the surface so we were a bit tentative. She showed a bit of form last year and we liked her," explained Oliver.
"She's a good dual purpose filly and she's had a couple of runs over hurdles. We'll probably leave her now until the grass.
"They are very nice owners. They are very supportive and enthusiastic." (GC & EM)