Tooreen Katie (Chris Hayes) fends off Grasping At Straws (Gary Carroll)© Photo Healy Racing
Favourite Tooreen Katie (11/8) took the opening Ashtown House Stud Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at Tramore but Grasping At Straws made her work hard for it.
The pair were locked in combat through the final furlong and the market-leader just edged it at the line by a short head as they drew on by seven and a half lengths from third home Endless Tangent
Fourth in Group Three company at Leopardstown last time, Tooreen Katie is trained by Fozzy Stack and was ridden by Chris Hayes.
"She is very consistent, and it's good to get that out of the way. It's not the way to ride her (from the front), but we decided to keep it simple. She got very lonely in front but she was the best filly in the race," said Hayes.
"The track is riding brilliant, absolutely top-class."
B.M. Coen, rider of Sarah Kate trained by Miss Hilary McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly and never travelled.
(DM & EM)
