Zarra Ellis drops back in trip to shed maiden tag

Despite being one of the more exposed runners in the race, Zarra Ellis readily opened her account when proving much too strong for her rivals in the Mallow Maiden at Cork.

Trained on the Curragh by Willie McCreery, the daughter of Eqtidaar had attained a rating of 70 after four previous starts.

Sent off 14/1 in this competitive heat, the Billy Lee ridden filly proved a totally different proposition dropping down to the minimum trip for the first time.

Quickly into stride in the centre of the track, she led her individual group throughout, although Abiding Star was the overall race leader on the far rail.

With the latter filly weakening from over a furlong out, Zarra Ellis burst through late on to go away and win by an easy three-and-a-quarter lengths.

Willie McCreery said: "I'm delighted for the breeders Jimmy Murphy and Redpender Stud. He was head travelling lad to Paddy Mullins, loves his horses and is a very cute and clever man. Ciara had to mind the fort at home but his two lads are here so this is great.

"She is from a good family so it is important to get the win.

"I thought she was more suited to six or seven (furlongs) but she was in her comfort zone and in a lovely rhythm today and finished the race out very well."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.