Craft Irish and Gavin Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
The in-foal Craft Irish bagged a fifth career victory when making all in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at Naas.
Pat Murphy 's charge had been fourth in listed company in the Yeomanstown Stud Stakes on her last visit to the course and went to post 11/8 favourite in today's €20,000 fillies handicap.
Gavin Ryan bounced out in front on the Adaay mare and she stuck on gamely in the closing stages to post a comprehensive three-length success in the race, run over just shy of six furlongs.
“She did that well. She got a little bit lit up jumping out and Gavin said she was a little lit up on the way down as well so he said he'd just go forward on her and use up her energy,” said Murphy.
“I thought she was in a bit of trouble but she dug deep the last furlong. It's great to get a win out of her this year, it makes it worthwhile keeping her in training.
“She just missed out on black-type the last day, she's in foal to Inns Of Court and we have one more race with her.
“There is a listed race in Cork in two weeks time and she'll probably go for that.
“She's a decent filly anyway and I suppose she'll be a 90 plus filly after today.”
