Oonagh has her job done under Sam James from Attire and La Oliva at Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Good things come to those that wait as they say and after being without success for the best part of three years, Kieran Cotter struck for the second time in four days when Oonagh landed the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at Dundalk.
A daughter of Ballyhane Stud's Arakan (sire of Guineas contender Trumpet Major), Oonagh made all in this seven furlong event under Sam James and the 3/1 favourite stayed on well from over a furlong out to beat Attire (her rider Wayne Lordan got a day ban for careless riding) and the nicely supported La Oliva (12s this morning into 11/2) by two lengths and half a length.
Oonagh, an 800 Euro purchase as a yearling by her owner Michael O'Reilly at Goffs in 2010, the now three-year-old is one of six or seven that Portarlington-based Kieran Cotter has in training and he is hoping for a continuation of his good run. Sunday's Navan winner Little Village will bid to give the stable their third winner in six days at Dundalk on Friday night.
Cotter said of Oonagh: "She's been working very well at home and I think she's a bit better than an average maiden. That's probably her trip (seven furlongs)." (AM & EM)
