Hamariyna and Ronan Whelan © Photo Healy Racing
Michael Halford has an exciting filly on his hands after Hamariyna ran out a convincing winner of the Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown this afternoon.
The Aga Khan-owned filly stepped up from a maiden win at Tipperary 17 days ago to claim the Group 3 prize in style.
Ronan Whelan tracked the leader on the 5/1 shot before sending her to the front turning for home in the mile contest.
The daughter of Sea The Moon galloped on strongly inside the final furlong to post a length-and-a-quarter success. Dean Street Doll kept on to claim the runner-up sport a head in front of Trethias who also stayed on to the line.
“You'd be delighted with her. She's real professional and Ronan said she travelled really well and got there plenty soon enough but it was just the way the race unfolded,” said Halford.
“She stayed at it well to the line. She's improving rapidly and we're delighted with her.
“I'll talk to Pat Downes and to his Highness and see what their thoughts are. She's not in the Guineas or anything so we'll have to have a talk about it and see.
“I'd say the further she goes the better she'll be. I was a bit worried about coming back to a mile but I felt on the day it worth taking a chance when I saw the race. We always felt she'd want, and get, further.
When asked if she could be an Oaks filly he responded:- “She could, she has plenty of options open to her now and she's progressing with each run.
“She has a super temperament and is a great ride, you can put her anywhere in a race. It's nice to see that she has the ability and the class to do that at that level.”
It was a third straight winner on the day for the owner.
