Fire progresses further at Fairyhouse

The first four in the betting filled the first four placings in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Fairyhouse as 5/4 favourite Magical Fire came home in front in the hands of Kieren Fallon.

Newcomer Rehana ran well in third, but the experience of Magical Fire and Lady Beware counted.

Magical Fire led a furlong out and stayed on well to defeat Lady Beware by a length. Rehana was a nose back in third, whilst 7/1 shot Fast Lily was a length and a half off in fourth.

Winning trainer Michael O'Callaghan said: "She's a lovely filly and very progressive at home in her work. The first run at Naas she was clueless and that's why we ran her as she needed to learn. She learned that day and she learned again in the Listed race.

"She's going to be a very nice filly one day as she has size and scope, and that ground would have been quick enough for her. She was only doing enough and pricked her ears in front.

"She may go for the Grangecon Stud Stakes, a Group 3 six-furlong race for fillies at the Curragh on Derby weekend."

He added on his standard bearers: "It's all systems go for next week. Blue De Vega goes for the Tercentenary, and Kieren rides him which is great. Now Or Never runs in the Coronation. Hopefully they don't get too much rain."

(AM & EM)