Michael Halford’s horses are associated with progress through racing so his newcomer Zarzyni was very taking in winning the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Gowran.

Favourite Mythologic tried to put his experience to good use from the front but he had no answer to the Aga Khan’s Zarzyni from over a furlong out.

The three and a quarter length scorer didn’t go un-backed under Ronan Whelan, finding a starting price of 6/1 from an opening offer of 10/1.

“He was working well and ready to start but most of ours take a run so it was hard to know. We had only run one two-year-old so far, so it’s promising for the rest of them at home," said Halford.

“He’s a very straight forward horse, he loved the ground and got the trip well. It’s always a good sign when one of ours wins first time out.

“We liked him and thought he was up to winning a maiden but not necessarily first time out. I think we have a nice bunch in general, and that will give us a good yardstick.”

The Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Delta Dawn concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.

(AM & EM)