Hey Sunshine © Photo Healy Racing
Sean Cleary-Farrell rode the eighth winner of his career when the appropriately-named Hey Sunshine (11/4) took the opening Sean Hughes Memorial Maiden Hurdle at a summery Kilbeggan.
A beaten favourite when placed in two bumpers earlier in the season, the daughter of Shantou raced in mid-division and was pushed along in fourth two out.
Wille Mullins' charge soon made good headway to challenge market leader Picture Of You and headed that rival at the last to score by five-and-a-half lengths.
Aubrey McMahon, of winning owners Temple Bloodstock Hey Sunshine Syndicate, said afterwards: “It's a nice start, she's a lovely mare and is improving with every run. Sean gave her a lovely ride.
“It's a good result for Victory Connolly, who we are leasing her off. The full-sister (Sunday Soldier) is after winning five times. We were lucky that he let us lease her and we're getting good sport out of her. She's a nice mare to have.
“She jumped fantastic and liked the bit of nice ground. It's nice to see her progress with each run.
“She was on the back foot a bit early and they might have been going a bit too quick for her but she showed how well she stays at the end. Going up in trip will be no harm to her.
“She'll be kept on the go and will probably get a break when the ground turns real winter heavy. We'd be delighted to have her back for next spring and summer.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
