John Murphy and his many followers at Killarney were quickly into stride at the August meeting when in race two Fearless Girl struck in the Counihan & Sons Ltd Median Auction Maiden.

The successful daughter of Holy Roman Emperor is improving with racing and on the back of an encouraging Curragh fifth placing she raced here in mid-division on the outer, under Joey Sheridan.

Making headway to challenge over two furlongs out, the 9/2 chance (from 6s) led a furlong and a half out.

Soon ridden the three-year-old kept on well inside the final furlong, holding on well.

Apricot Moon kept on well inside the final furlong but couldn’t reach the winner who prevailed by a neck.

It was two and a half lengths then back to favourite, I Know I Can in third.

"She is a lovely filly and is maturing all the time. She is quite tall and there should be more to come from her; Joey said she struggled a bit on the ground and she'd prefer it a bit nicer,” said Murphy’s son George.

"She has come forward with every run and we'd be hopeful there will be more to come.

"She has a very nice pedigree, she will keep improving next year and could go down the black-type road."

(TW & EM)