O'Rourke & Halpin combine for 50/1 winner

Minister For Magic sprang a 50/1 surprise in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden under Gary Halpin.

Fourth in a barrier trial at Dundalk, she moved into third place early in the straight on this racecourse debut and stayed on well to get the better of Happywifehappylife (first home in that barrier trial) by a length and a half.

The daughter of Make Believe is homebred by winning owner/trainer Pat O’Rourke who said: “She was working well at home and has a good pedigree.

"She is out of a Cape Cross mare who is a half-sister to Hamada who broke a leg when he was favourite for the Melbourne Cup.

"She took a bit of time and I'd say the soft ground is a help to her. She was really backward last year and he (Halpin) said she had a good blow today.

"I'll hope to sell her."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes