Honey Girl gains deserved maiden win

Honey Girl finally opened her account following a series of creditable efforts in much higher company when taking the Cavalor Equine Nutrition Filies & Mares Maiden at the Curragh.

The 102-rated daughter of Mayson joined Joseph O’Brien from Henry de Bromhead over the winter and was one of a trio of horses to stick to the far rail in this 16-runner event.

The 6/5 favourite tracked the front-running Unless and wore down that rival inside the final 100 yards to score by half-a-length in the hands of Dylan Browne McMonagle.

The pair pulled five and a half lengths clear of Toistiun while Aussie Girl spoiled her chance pulling too hard in fourth.

O’Brien said, “I thought she was a bit fresh early. She didn't have much cover, the way the race panned out, and I thought she did well to win. I'd say they were two smart fillies, pulling away there.

“She broke very quick from the gates and he had to take her back. Dylan said the race wasn't really run to suit him. He was pushed out with no cover most of the way.

“It was still a smart performance. We'll see how she comes out of it and she could come back here for the Gladness or something. Maybe we'll give her a bit more time than that.

“She's a smart and exciting filly for the future. I'm delighted to get a winner for Tim Porter, it's the first runner he's had with us that he owns himself.”

Quotes by Gary Carson