McKenna rides her first winner on 28/1 outsider

Bambeano sprang a 28/1 surprise in the fillies' and mares' handicap over a mile in Gowran and gave jockey Orla McKenna her fist victory.

This six-year-old mare's best form had come over further trips, but she finished to winning effect under McKenna.

The duo raced in rear in the final quarter of a mile, but stayed on down the inner to move into contention at the furlong pole.

A wall of horses held chances across the track, however, Bambeano really knuckled down to her task and took over in the final 100 yards.

McKenna drove her home by a growing length and three-quarters. Independent Expert (11/2) took the runner-up spot and was half a length clear of Machnamh (11/4).

Owner/trainer Mark Fahey said: “I'm delighted for Orla. The race kind of fell apart a little bit for her and she picked it up. She gave her a great ride.

“Orla is only with me a couple of months, she's a great girl and she works hard. That's only her second ride for me and I'm delighted she's had a winner.”

Orla McKenna said: "I kind of thought that as well (trip would have been too short). She had been working well at home and I thought she would run alright, but I didn't expect her to go that well.

"Everything worked out well and I'm absolutely delighted.

"They went a bit hard early on and she just wasn't able to keep up, and then they kind of came back to me a bit and she picked up. Coming in, I just gave her a few smacks and she just picked up and carried me home.

"That's my fourth ride today and I'm absolutely thrilled. I couldn't believe I had actually come past the winning post in front.

"I'm from Co Monaghan and I first started riding racehorses when I went to RACE about 5 years ago. I did the course there and I have just progressed since then. I took out my licence last year and I got two rides for Brendan Duke and I moved to Mark Fahey's and this is my second ride for Mark.

"He (Fahey) is in flying form and they are all progressing really well, so hopefully now there will be many more to come. Hopefully now I can bag a few more winners and keep progressing and just learn more."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson