Belfrina back with a bang

Belfrina returned after 334 days off to spring a 33/1 surprise in the SBK Maiden at the Curragh.

A trip of 10 furlongs was on offer for the 18 runners and it was Royal Entry and Rory Cleary who kicked on with less than two furlongs to go.

They weren't quite home, though, as Belfrina and Ronan Whelan took aim and caught them in the closing stages.

The new leader swept in by a length and a-quarter at 'double carpet' from the 15/2 runner-up who attracted support. Dahab (4/1) was two lengths further back in third.

John O'Donoghue said: “It wasn't unexpected. You're never quite sure coming to the Curragh - it's obviously hot, but we've always liked her.

“We were annoyed with her break on debut. She's a lovely filly and she's got a future.

“On pedigree and the way she handled her debut, I'd say we might go again when it rains. She'll handle softer ground fine.

“We tried to run her a couple of times, but we just wanted a bit of ease. It's nice after a year off that we're doing something right.”

Zoffany filly Belfrina had finished eighth on debut in a backend maiden over six furlongs at this track last year.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson