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Harrington's filly makes her Presence felt in Ballinrobe

Presence quickens away from TanazadiaPresence quickens away from Tanazadia
© Photo Healy Racing

Presence put manners on the opposition in the extended nine-furlong maiden in Ballinrobe.

Once Shane Foley sent her past Tanazadia on the home bend, the result wasn't in doubt. The New Bay filly quickened away well in the final furlong to sweep home by three and a-half lengths for Jessica Harrington.

She was the subject of plenty of support from 7/2 to 2/1 favourite while runner-up Tanazadia went off 11/2. Each-way punters drew a dividend from 40/1 Guest Star who took third, beaten nine lengths by the winner.

This was Presence's fifth outing and she was fourth in her previous three appearances.

Harrington said: "It's a couple of years since I've been here but I love Ballinrobe. I love the racetrack, it's always a good atmosphere here and they do a wonderful job. It's no wonder that they've won Racecourse of the Year twice.

"The rain that fell probably played to her strengths and, also, the trainer kind of got it wrong, I was running her over a little bit far and bringing her back to a mile and one and a bit is obviously what she likes.

"I don't think this was the strongest of maidens but she did it well and will go for a handicap now, preferably a fillies' only handicap.

"(Owner/breeder) Harriet Jellett had never been to Ballinrobe before, so she did the driving and I did the navigating!"

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan

1st
2/1Fav
Tote €3.00 €1.30
2nd
3.5L
11/2
€1.90
3rd
5.5L
40/1
€6.10
4th
0.5L
11/2
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.