Foley unearths another Special Wan in Leopardstown maiden

Pat Foley introduced another winning debutant from a smart family when his first-timer Special Wan ran out a comfortable winner of the opening Undertones Playing Live After Racing Fillies & Mares Maiden at Leopardstown.

A half-sister to Yerwanthere, a filly that also made a winning debut for Foley at this track last term, the pair are siblings of Yermanthere. The latter took more time to get his head in front, striking at the fifth time of asking in a Cork maiden.

Well supported in the market from an overnight show of 16/1 into 100/30 at the off, the daughter of Belardo was out quickly under Luke McAteer, soon sitting third behind the more experienced pair Danvers Gold and Finsceal Go Deo

McAteer made his move three horses wide early in the straight, edging ahead to lead over 2f out before lengthening impressively to go right away inside the final furlong.

Danvers Gold had no more to give, eventually weakening to finish fourth. Finsceal Go Deo held third, with Local Girl keeping on nicely to take the runner-up spot.

“She was very impressive, we were delighted that she just did what she had been showing us,” said Foley.

“We said to the owner as a two-year-old that 'this one is a bit special' and that's where the name came from.

“We minded her at two because it was late in the season and when it came to three we said we'd wait for the right race.

“She had been doing everything really really well. It's a good family, and I like the sister a lot, but we think this one is just that little bit special. It's just nice to see her going and doing it.

“We're not 100 percent sure where we're going to go next with her. Really today was the first thing and we wanted to see how she would do.

“First time out you are always a little bit apprehensive to see if she'll do it. I think we can go where we want with her.

“She was a bit green today so she should improve a nice bit.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.