Eastern Wind and James Ryan hold Speckled Meadow © Photo Healy Racing
James Ryan made a decisive move turning for home as Eastern Wind bounced back to winning ways in the apprentice race at Leopardstown.
The Tom McCourt-trained filly was recording her first success since scoring over a mile at the track in June 2022.
Ryan tracked the front-runner Sunday Sovereign in the seven-furlong heat before kicking for home early in the straight.
The daughter of Farhh kept on gamely in the closing stages to hold the late run of Speckled Meadow by half a length.
“She did it nicely, dropping back to seven didn't do her any harm anyway,” said McCourt.
“I'm delighted with her, after getting pipped last week (headed close home when third here) it's great to get back and get a win.
“She was able to open them up off the bend a bit. It's a long way up that straight and there is always something coming from behind.
“She was game, she showed plenty of boot over the seven. Probably the ease in the ground over seven helped.
“James rides very well, he's very strong and is good at pacing them.
“I'm not sure where we'll go. I'd love to go down to Galway with her but she has a tendency to lean left and you'd want to be getting a very good draw down the railing.”
