George Kent saddled his first Flat winner when Ronan's Bay came out best in a terrific finish to the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
The 8/1 chance challenged over a furlong out, and kept on gamely to pip 100/1 newcomer Susiescot by a nose. Mahaazen (6/1) was just a neck back in third, while the David Wachman-trained Eternal Bounty didn't enjoy the best of runs on her debut before flashing home to finish just another neck back in fourth.
The 5/4 favourite Cabin made the running but could find no extra from over a furlong out finishing eighth. Colm O'Donoghue later reported that she hung left in the straight.
The successful Tramore restricted licence holder was represented by his son and assistant, also George Kent, who said, ”She's a nice filly, and improved a lot from her first run in Tipperary. We think she's smart, and she's entered in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
“We will train train her like a good one until she shows us otherwise, and the Silken Glider Stakes (at the Curragh) could be her next race. She's a good actioned filly.
”We had a good few jump winners before but that's our first winner since taking out a Flat licence. Pre-training is my main thing, and this filly was one we held onto."
Alan Magee
