Moonlit Mist and Amy Jo Hayes.© Photo Healy Racing
David Harry Kelly enjoyed instant success with new recruit Moonlit Mist as the filly struck on her first start for the trainer in the opening House Restaurant Apprentice Handicap at Fairyhouse.
Winner of a maiden at Ballinrobe last July, the daughter of Australia seemed to lose her way subsequently but has obviously been sweetened up by a change of scenery.
With Out On Friday and Lady Christa building up an early lead from stalls, Amy Jo Hayes was always prominent on Moonlit Mist towards the front of the chasing group.
Sent in pursuit of the leaders entering the straight, Moonlit Mist loomed up alongside Lady Christa at the two furlong marker, as Out On Friday dropped out of contention.
The former pair had a real battle inside the final furlong but Moonlit Mist just put her head down and found extra for Hayes inside the last 50 yards.
Winning jockey Amy Jo Hayes said: “It was her first run for Dad (Tom) and my boyfriend (Eoin Ryan). The owner couldn't be here today as he's at silage so the rest of them had to come along and support me.
“That was huge, it was big for me. We were looking for a cheapish filly and Dad said we'd breed off her if she didn't do much and that she'd give me a few spins.
“I got to decorate my own colours and socks and my stick! I'm very colour co-ordinated and that meant a lot.
“They went hard early on, she usually sits forward but I kept her back off the pace. Four out she was under a bit of pressure but as soon as I went to kick her on and kick for home she picked it up and stayed at it well.
“We didn't know if the trip would be too long but it worked out perfect in the end and we got the result in the end.
“She still had plenty left underneath me. She was a bit lazy going to the start and I thought maybe a bit of headgear wouldn't go astray but she did it well.
“Hopefully I can kick on from here and try and get as many rides and winners as I can.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
