Aris battles her way to success

On her seventh career start Aris finally got off the mark in the Tote Jackpot Guarantee Median Auction Maiden for her trainer Patrick Prendergast with Chris Hayes aboard.

Having finished third at 50/1 in the Listed Flame Of Tara Stakes at the Curragh last September, the 3yo daughter of Danroad disappointed on four starts since.

On her fourth start of the year today she raced in second early on before gaining a narrow lead entering the straight. The front running Jouster battled back to challenge along with Gordon Lord Byron but the winner pulled out more to hold on by half a length.

The third placed horse Master Melody (11/2) was a tad unlucky as he was squeezed for room, when coming with his challenge, between Jouster and the runner-up Gordon Lord Byron (5/1).

For the second race in succession a Dermot Weld trained, Pat Smullen ridden favourite disappointed. This time it was Lord Windark who was sent off at 11/4 but could only manage tenth.

Winning jockey Chris Hayes said afterwards: "It's hard to believe she was still a maiden. I was third on her around the time last year in a Listed race.

"She loves that ground and she stuck at it well.”

After the race Pat Smullen reported to the Stewards that his mount Lord Windark jumped away slowly and never travelled. Pat Shanahan reported that his mount Lady Of Russia hung badly in running.

Donal Murphy