Zaynab (Sam Ewing) beats Teriferma (J J Slevin)© Photo Healy Racing
The big three in the betting separated themselves from the rest approaching the straight in the Charleville Cheese 3-Y-O Hurdle at Listowel. Come the line though Zaynab was out on her own in the opener of the 2024 Harvest Festival.
It's Easyfix flights now at the The Island racecourse and on her hurdling bow the lightly-weighted Sam Ewing-ridden Zaynab made a slight mistake two out.
That did little to impede the momentum of the Bective Stud-owned and Gordon Elliott-trained 2/1 joint favourite. The first-time hooded daughter of Phoenix Of Spain quickened up smartly to beat Teriferma (100/30) and Action Plan (well-backed joint fav) by four lengths and half a length.
"She was very good and settled well. She had been keen previously so that's why she wore the hood and seemed pretty natural at jumping," said stable representative Lisa O'Neill.
"The key was that she had to settle, which she did, and the hood obviously worked. Jack (Kennedy) had been doing all the work with her at home and has a great set of hands. She preserved all the energy she needed and it was a great ride by Sam.
"Sam felt like he had loads left from the back of the last and I imagine the aim now is to go on to Down Royal (in early November). It was a nice start for her.
"Unfortunately Jack (Kennedy) was unable to ride her today due to the light weight but will be back on her the next day."
(TW & EM)
