Waitnsee and Darragh O'Keeffe pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
After sadly losing Draycott Place at Killarney on Friday, the John Ryan yard receive at welcome boost in the opener at Ballinrobe, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, as Waitnsee made all under Darragh O’Keeffe.
Third on her previous two starts at Sligo, the five-year-old bay touched 5/1 on-course before going off a 4/1 chance in the colours of owner/breeder Michael Daly.
Sent straight to the front, the daughter of Arctic Cosmos jumped well throughout and had all her rivals off the bridle as they raced away from the second last.
She soon extended her advantage and kept on strongly in the straight, going on to score easily by twenty-four lengths. Baily Thunder who was returned at 3/1 (from 14s this morning), finished second under Katie O'Farrell for Mouse Morris, while Father Ailbe (15/8f) was a further five lengths back in third.
"She's a real class filly," said Ryan.
"She's thriving on her racing - she's grubbing better now. I couldn't get her to eat but since she started running she's thriving on it.
"She'll go to Listowel now where she should have a real chance in the good novice hurdle.
"I often had ones that you'd be hoping would go all the way but this is real proper one.
"It's a nice boost after losing Draycott Place (at Killarney on Friday night). I have the three of them buried together in Fairyhill - Draycott Place, Kylecrue and Foildubh. They won nearly a million between them.
"It's nice to have this one to look forward to as she's a potential star."
STEWARDS REPORTS
At the request of the Stewards, P.J. Cawley, rider of Costly Diamond trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount didn't handle the ground.
S.J. Gray, rider of Time Won't Wait trained by D.McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left.
R.A. Doyle, rider of Singirishmansing trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Singirishmansing, trained by Patrick G.Kelly, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
