O'Brien Happily off mark on Derby weekend Happily stepped up on her debut performance to land the juvenile fillies' maiden over seven furlongs in the Curragh for Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien. The sister to Gleneagles was seventh in Leopardstown just over three weeks ago in a race won by her stablemate September. However, it was a different story today as the favourite raced in rear of mid-division before being ridden into contention over a furlong out. She picked off Shalailah inside the furlong pole and asserted in the final 100 yards to win snugly by a length and three parts at 8/11. Shalailah (6/1) came in second with Sizzling running on for third at 9/1 on debut for O'Brien snr. She was beaten four lengths by the winner. Aidan O’Brien said: “She’s a lovely filly with a good pedigree and will obviously stay further. "She was trapped out a little bit by herself and was a little bit green in the middle part of the race. It was a help that she had the run but finished out her race very well which you like to see. "She is still babyish but you would have to love the way she finished off. She will slot into a Listed or Group race next time.” On Royal Ascot winner (of the Chesham) September, he added: "She is good. Seamus (Heffernan) rode her this morning and he was very happy with her so she'll have a little bit of an easy time. I think we might come back here for the Debutante and go on from there." Additional reporting by Alan Magee
