Knightsone leads Dayrina over the last, before the latter gets on top in the closing stages© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Dayrina took the opener at Down Royal this evening, the Molson Coors 4yo Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Paul Townend for trainer Des McDonogh.
Having opened at 5/1 on-course, the Jackie Bolger owned filly, was well-backed and she went off the 7/2 second favourite. Knightsone went off the 11/8 favourite for Jessica Harrington and Mark Bolger, and he lead after the last, however he couldn’t fend off the challenge of the winner, as she hit the front close home, going on to score by a length and a quarter.
The ‘jolly’ had to settle for second, while Hello Humpfrey was five and a half lengths back in third under Jody McGarvey for Peter Casey at 25/1.
Des McDonogh said afterwards: "She's her own boss. We were lucky too, things went her way, but it was convincing.
"It's good to get one with her and we'll keep her going now. "That's Paul's first ride for me and he's very good. I don't have many good enough for him to be riding.
"She was very unlucky in Sligo. She never saw the second last and landed on it."
Ben Dalton received a heavy fall from Wot A Shot at the third last, and he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
