Alfarida makes breakthrough on second start for Slattery

The three-year-old handicap over seven furlongs resulted in a very tight finish with Alfarida ridden by Andrew Slattery, just prevailing over Master Garvey

The Elzaam filly, sent off a 5/1 chance, had been a close second on the all-weather in April on stable debut for the winning rider's father, Andy.

Here she was prominent throughout and gained a narrow lead entering the final quarter mile. Master Garvey soon threw down his challenge but was denied by a short head while the strong-travelling 10/3 favourite Cherry Pink couldn't find racing room for most of the way up the straight and finished an unlucky third, just half a length further back.

Winning trainer Andy Slattery said: “She was due one and Gavin (Cromwell) had her before me. She was second in Dundalk and we were waiting on this ground for her. I only have her since March

“She’s entered at Listowel on Saturday over a mile and I’d say she probably wants a mile the way she stayed at it there. We’ll see how she is tomorrow.

“The lads (Eight Ball Syndicate) are from Tallaght.”

Quotes from Alan Magee