Dancingwithangels gets her elusive victory

Persistence paid off with long-standing maiden Dancingwithangels who won her first race at the 35th attempt.

The mile and a half maiden in Dundalk proved ripe for the picking by Dancingwithangels and Rory Cleary who faced down a challenge from 11/8 favourite Mozetta in the final furlong as she went on to win by half a length at 12/1. Mountain Kingdom was a further two and three quarter lengths away in third at 12/1. Bamako Du Chatelet was popular on the course from 9/4 to 6/4, but could only manage fifth place.

Trainer Thomas Cleary said: "She was knocking on the door a long time and had run 34 times.

"She ran well here last week and got a good ride. That really brought her on and she came out of the race very well.

"I'm delighted for the owners who had her last season and she didn't win. They showed faith in me.

"She's entered next Wednesday in the 47-70 and if she comes out of this okay she'll probably go."

Tennesse Waltz was a notable non runner due to a blood disorder.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson