Halford's 'very smart filly' wins opener

The Aga Khan owned, Michael Halford trained Rehana improved on a promising debut run when proving an impressive winner of the opening Peter Keatley Curragh Equine Groundcare European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden at the Curragh today.

Halford and retained jockey Shane Foley have enjoyed big race success separately this year with, respectively, a Royal Ascot winner (Portage) and an Irish 1,000 Guineas winner (Jet Setting) but the pair combined today with Rehana.

Racing prominently throughout, the daughter of Dark Angel in the end stayed on stoutly for a two and a quarter lengths win over promising newcomer Rhododendron

Following the win, Halford stated "I thought she would be hard to beat with the benefit of a run (at Fairyhouse previously). The step up in trip was no bother to her, and Shane said she handled the ground well.

"She was very professional and always showed us that; when Shane gave her a squeeze she quickened up well. The Debutante Stakes is a possibility and she is in the Moyglare.

"She could be a very smart filly."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee