Ballybacka off the mark in style

Pat Smullen may have put up a pound overweight but he could have put up plenty more than that, given the ease with which Ballybacka Lady took the 'Buy A Racing Post Yearling Bonus Candidate' Auction Maiden at Dundalk.

The 11/8 favourite made all and once asked to go about her business over a furlong out the response was impressive from the daughter of Hurricane Run as she went on to eclipse Music Pearl by four lengths.

Winning trainer Pat Fahy said: "I was as nervous as could be as she had two middling runs mixed in with her two seconds. It is a great relief and it worked out grand for a finish as we got the 10,000 sterling bonus too. She ran once before over six furlongs - that being on her debut at the Curragh when she was very green.

"We were just saying that she'd never have been caught in Galway if it was over six. She'll go to grass now and come back next year when we'll have plenty of options as regards trip."