Wave Machine held on well under Ben Coen © Photo Healy Racing
Wave Machine just held the late thrust of newcomer Cairo to make it third time lucky in the John Ormonde Gallop & Arena Construction Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh.
Away smartly under jockey Ben Coen, the filly who was dropping back in trip, showed plenty of early pace in behind leader Mount Ruapehu
Sent to the front over a furlong out, the Johnny Murtagh trained filly opened up a gap of a couple of lengths on her pursuers.
However, Ballydoyle newcomer Cairo came with a rattling late run which saw the Ryan Moore ridden debutant just fail to get there in time.
Mount Ruapehu stayed on well to hold third place for trainer John Grogan and jockey Andrew Slattery.
Second favourite Beauty Crescent was withdrawn at the start, not under orders.
Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh, “I fancied her the last day but Ben just thought she didn’t get home.
“She worked well during the week and Ben said she’s getting a bit quicker with racing.
“There is a five-furlong Listed race here next weekend so if she’s ok, and she’s been taking her races well, we might bring her back out again quickly and give her a shot at it.
“Ben said she pulled up a bit when she hit the front as well. She travelled very strongly today for most of the race.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
