Royal Flight and Jody McGarvey © Photo Healy Racing
Royal Flight was a stylish winner of the mares maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse under a confident ride from Jody McGarvey.
6/4 favourite Ma Belle Amie cut out the running in the two-mile contest and had Leish Oscar for company at the head of affairs.
Royal Flight travelled well into contention turning for home, however, and hit the front going to the second last flight.
McGarvey soon asked his mount to stretch and she soon put a couple of lengths between herself and her rivals.
New River came through to give chase before the last but never looked likely to make any inroads and McGarvey could afford to ease his mount home in the closing stages for a two-and-a-quarter length success.
The Christy Roche-trained winner was returned a 4/1 shot on course having been as big as 9/1 this morning.
The King's Theatre mare is owned by the jockey's sister Julie and had shown ability on her two starts to date when fourth at Thurles in December and third at Clonmel earlier this month.
“She's so bad at home it's frightening and she really surprised us when she ran a blinder first time out,” revealed Roche.
“I thought she'd want further than two miles. We'll see what handicap mark she gets now. “Jody gave her a lovely ride and I think he's a lad that could go to the top. He's great value for his 7lb claim.”
McGarvey added:- "She travelled away and jumped great. She had two runs under her belt which was a great help - the experience paid off.
"It was horrible ground when she ran before. It was a weak race and everything went right today. They went a fair gallop and she was able to quicken turning for home.
"My sister Julie owns her which is great. She bought her as a three-year-old at the sales. It's an all-round family success."
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
