Donal Murphy
'Important' win for sales bound Daboya
Daboya (far side) just gets the better of Polaris Dancer
© Photo Healy Racing
The sales bound Daboya made the breakthrough on her sixth start, as she just got the better of Polaris Dancer in the Book Online At dundalkstadium.com Maiden.
A runner-up on her second outing at Gowran in June, the Dermot Weld-trained grey was last seen finishing eighth of 18 at the Curragh.
Down in trip to a mile for the first time and making her debut on the all-weather, the daughter of Gleneagles was sent to post an easy-to-back 10/1 chance (from 6s early).
Pushed along from the stalls and soon settled in mid-division on the inner, the 73-rated victor took closer order when ridden from early in the straight.
In a share of the lead from the furlong pole, she soon gained a narrow advantage and maintained it to the line, holding off the rallying Polaris Dancer (9/2) by just a nose.
There was a further two and a half lengths back to Quatrain in third, with this one returned the 4/1 favourite (7s early) after coming in for late market support.
"That was important, she has a nice pedigree," Hayes explained.
"This was her last throw of the dice for us. In fairness Leigh Roche rode her the other morning, the boss already had her entered up, and he said to run as he thought she felt very well.
"He said she'd love the surface and when I cantered down she floated around.
"She made hard work of it because she didn't jump and carry me early but I was able to work my way into a position.
"I thought I was going to win well but she had a little look, the blinkers were on for a reason."
The winner is entered in the November Breeding Stock Sale at Goffs later this month.
STEWARDS REPORTS
K.G. Kennedy, rider of Sportingsilvermine trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right up the straight.
D.S. O'Sullivan, rider of Annaghmccanns trained by S.R.B. Crawford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ducked left leaving the stalls.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Polaris Dancer, ridden by M.W Hassett, placed second, and Daboya, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed first, where it appeared they came close together near the finish line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
At the request of the Raceday Stewards, C.D. Hayes, rider of Daboya, trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he used his whip in the forehand position down the shoulder of his mount for correction purposes.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson