Her strength in the market had anyone doubting Princess Pearlita at the trip thinking again. Shane 'Dusty' Foley seemed to know exactly how things would unfold from the get-go on the daughter of Manduro and she delivered in good fashion in the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction Fillies Maiden at Dundalk.

Drawn wide in twelve, Foley soon had the three times previously tried consistent juvenile at the head of affairs. With stamina assured Princess Pearlita duly dominated from there and she stayed on well from over furlong out to defeat Wishyouwerehere by two and three parts of a length. Crafted Mastery finished off well on her debut, for third place, two lengths further back.

Winning trainer Mick Halford explained: "She had a good run the last day. I was a little concerned about the drop back to seven furlongs but the race the last day sharpened her up and it was a good colt of Ger Lyons (Magnolia Beach) that beat her.

"I'm delighted for Michael Enright (the owner). He lives in Fermoy and he's invested in some smashing yearlings.

"It wasn't the plan to make it but Shane is riding so well at the minute.

"We'll take our time with her and that's it with her for the moment. It's good to get a winning bracket."

F.M. Berry, rider of Sophie's World trained by Kevin F.O'Donnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly in running.

R. Dawson, rider of Loveisforever trained by D.J.Barry, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly in running.

(MG & EM)