Nurse Barbara leads home her rivals under Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
The Ger Lyons trained Nurse Barbara impressed on debut as she ran out a comfortable winner of the Matchbook Irish EBF Fillies Maiden.
Bought for 55,000 pounds as a yearling, the daughter of Kodiac was available at 11/1 in early shows, but eventually went off at 7s under Colin Keane.
Never far off the pace, the bay victor was ridden from the two furlong pole and held a definite advantage with just a furlong left to race.
She soon extended her lead and went on to score comfortably by three and a quarter lengths. Deidra (14/1) finished second under Leigh Roche for Michael O'Callaghan, while newcomer Shehreen (33/1) was another half a length back in third. Chasing The Dawn was sent off the 6/4 favourite and she finished fourth.
"We're delighted with her. She's as honest as the day is long, she is not the biggest filly in the world but she's got great heart and Colin absolutely loved her," said Shane Lyons.
"He said she winged the gates. First time out the only concern was would she be green but she basically led all the way and he pulled clear at the furlong pole because she wanted to do it, which is half the battle.
"He thinks she is better than a maiden winner. We'll see how she comes out of the race and take it from there.
"Colin loves that sprint track and she just floated on it. She's not the biggest but she doesn't need to be when she has a heart.
"She kept going. She was ready to go but it was the first time she saw grass and ours do come on an awful lot from the first run."
STEWARDS REPORT
W.J. Lee, rider of Truth Prevails (GB) trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right from two and a half furlongs out.
The Stewards received a report from Mr. P. L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that B.M. Coen, rider of Silver Spear had weighed in at 1.3 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that B. M. Coen was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, they cautioned him on this occasion.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
