McDonogh glad photo finish not needed

Odds on favourite Gelenschik kept it simple in Killarney by making all for Declan McDonogh in the fillies' maiden.

John Oxx 's three-year-old filly was having her fourth start this evening after three runs laden with potential. She had been fourth and second at the Curragh and sandwiched between those runs came in third at Leopardstown.

McDonogh sent her on early in this mile and three contest. The 4/5 chance came off the bridle on the turn for home three and a half furlongs out.

She found plenty for pressure though and refused to yield her advantage. Avizare (8/1) was the only rival able to set off in pursuit of her. Although she tried to get on terms, she couldn't reel the winner in and was three and a quarter lengths down at the line.

It was 12 lengths back to Ask Me Nicely in third.

Declan McDonogh said: "I decided to take the sting out of them. She stays well and will get a mile and a half plus.

"We were a bit worried about the ground but they have done a good job. I also had to negotiate a photographer (hanging over the rail just over a furlong out). I couldn't believe she was there!"

Additional reporting by Alan Magee