Leigh Roche and So Majestic land the spoils for owner/trainer Kate McGivern © Photo Healy Racing
Katie McGivern saddled her first winner in the training ranks via So Majestic (8/1) in the 47-70 sprint handicap over the minimum trip in Down Royal.
Leigh Roche had her close to the pace and the duo came through to lead a furlong down. They kept on well to see off runner-up Distillate (11/1) by a length and a-quarter. Spirit Of Eagles was a short head away in third at 14/1.
McGivern said: "That was really, really, exciting. I usually sell winners, I never train them!
"I have a couple of fillies in training literally to breed from, and, if we got lucky enough, to sell on.
"We had her at the breeze ups last year - sold her, bought her back and she proved me right this time around.
"She was at William Haggas' for about six weeks and apparently she worked but got sick. She went back to the pre-trainer and went to the February Sales. We decided to take a punt back on her because she clocked very well at the breeze up.
"We thought a lot of her and we actually had the half-sister at home this year. I sold her in Arqana. I think she is very special as well, so hopefully the pedigree can get a bit better.
"If we are breeding from her, that is going to be a main selling point (being by Siyouni).
"She (her mum, trainer Joanna Morgan) gets a phonecall nearly every day when I ask what I will do next and how do I fix this problem?! She's a big influence on the whole thing. I learned my trade off them (her mum and late father Tommy McGivern) and probably no better two people.
"Every time we thought the penny had dropped, she would go with the choke out and try too hard. She is so genuine. We just have to keep teaching her how to race.
"Today Leigh (Roche) was very positive on her and the quick five really suited her.
"She's in on Wednesday at Naas against older horses and she will run. She's a very sound filly. After that we will look for the quick five again, wherever.
"I'm just happy the winner is on the board now, there was a lot of pressure to get this one!
"I had my riding licence for maybe three or four years and I had a couple of seconds and thirds and there was a lot of pressure because mum was so good and dad was so good. I did really want to ride that winner and never did. I wasn't as passionate about riding as buying and selling so I went down that route. There's a bit of relief."
