John Oxx made a rare visit to Tramore this evening, and the Curragh trainer's journey south was certainly worthwhile as he improved an already impressive record at the seaside venue when Haleniya took the Tramore Races On Facebook Maiden.
The Aga Khan owned and bred daughter of Azamour was stepping up to a mile and a half on her third career start, and the 4/1 chance was sent to the front in the dip by Ben Curtis before just holding off the late challenge of Templeton (7/1) by a short-head.
The running and riding of Templeton was the subject of a stewards enquiry (see separate story on this site), and the matter has been referred on to the Keeper Of The Matchbook. Mojita backed from 5/2 into 7/4 favourite, could only keep on one paced another four and a half lengths back in third.
The Currabeg handler has now sent out an impressive 13 winners from just 22 runners here over the past four years.
Oxx said, “This is my lucky track, I even get photo-finish verdicts! I didn't know what to expect today as she ran well on her first start at Gowran but very moderate next time at Down Royal. She did it well when challenged and it might be her last run.
“It's about 20 years since I've been here. I'm doing a tour of the country as the roads have improved!” quipped Oxx, who made a surprise visit to Sligo recently where he also saddled a winner.
Alan Magee
