Drumfad Bay (black) is ridden out by Colm O'Donoghue to beat How© Photo Healy Racing
After recording a double at Ballinrobe yesterday, Jessica Harrington and Colm O'Donoghue were on the mark again today, taking the opener at Naas, the Coral.ie EBF Fillies Maiden, with newcomer Drumfad Bay
Out of Group 2 winner Manieree, this daughter of Acclamation cost E140,000 as a foal, and was sold for 200,000 guineas as a yearling.
As short as 6/1 last night, she opened on-course at 16's, and came in for some market support, going off a 12/1 chance in the colours of owners Stonethorn Stud Farms Limited.
Settled in third on the outer, she was niggled along from two furlongs out, and was ridden to lead inside the final furlong, keeping on well to hold off the late surge of How by a head.
The runner-up, who was sent off the 4/6 favourite, had no luck in running. Once in the clear from over a furlong out, she kept on strongly, but just failed to get up under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O'Brien.
The front two were a length and a half in front of Dandys Gold (20/1) who was third under Gary Halpin for William Fitzpatrick.
Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "Colm said she was always travelling. It was her first run so she was entitled to get a bit tired in the last 50 yards. She's a very relaxed and straight-forward filly.
"I'd say she will get a mile in time, and the Moyglare (at the Curragh on September 11th) is definitely on the agenda."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
