Blue Uluru and Colin Keane (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Choisir newcomer Blue Uluru made a nice impression when landing the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Fairyhouse.
Colin Keane took the reins on the 3/1 chance for his boss Ger Lyons, and she beat the well-supported favourite Aurora Eclipse by half a length.
"She's very green and unseated him going to the start," said Lyons.
"She's very quiet and honest at home but just came on her toes here. We knew she had ability to win one of these but thought maybe greenness and everything would have got her beat today.
"The second horse had a breeze-up and Mick's horse had a run.
"When she got down to the start she behaved professionally from the minute she got into the box.
"She was first out and it was copybook as he slotted back into a pocket and taught her her job.
"She was on the wrong lead all the way up the straight so she's going to improve plenty for it.
"I'm never worried about them losing on their first start as you need nearly two maidens in them before you step up. I don't think there is an abundance of winners races and that's a problem.
"This is for an American client and as always with fillies that are able to win their Irish maiden you start hunting black-type for them. Once you get that job done you can relax a bit.
"I'm delighted for Nicholas Varney and his partner. He is a jeweller in New York and this is their first horse with us.
"There is a winners race at the Curragh over six after Galway and that's probably where she'll go."
(GC & EM)
