Harry Rogers` Aljay registered her fourth victory of the season in a thrilling conclusion to the O`Donnell Memorial Handicap at a soggy Wexford this afternoon. The filly looked set for a relatively comfortable success when going clear before the straight, but was ultimately all out to hold the fast-finishing Softly Softly by a head. A handicap at Tramore may be the next stop for the stable `flagship`, Rogers revealed afterwards.
Local permit holder Jim Devereux saddled his first winner under rules when Haveityourway held the late effort of Marys Madera in the 2 mile maiden hurdle. Devereux and his son Vincent, who rode the 7 year-old, are well-known figures on the point-to-point scene.
Deylviyna (8/11) was anything but impressive in landing the odds in the 1m5f maiden. Jim O`Neill, assistant to John Oxx, reported 'She`s bone idle, hence the blinkers - but at least she`s won and we`ll look for a little 2 mile handicap somewhere now'.
Kieran Kelly partnered his first winner fortrainer David Wachman when bringing Native Of Kerry home three lengths clear in the opening handicap hurdle. Wachman is likely to send the home-bred for a similar contest at Tralee next.
'I`d prefer to be in Croke Park, but it`s nice to have a winner', quipped Kildare handler Christy Donoghue after sending out Bayling for a comfortable success in the maiden hurdle. 'This horse used to burst blood vessels, but hopefully his problems are behind him now', he added.
Teenage apprentice sensation Tom Queally added another to his tally when driving 10/1 shot Luna Fleur out to beat Divine Dancer in the 2 mile handicap, while Jim Bolger`s Compostello barely broke sweat to take the bumper.
