Wakai Umi and Shane Foley© Photo Healy Racing
Wakai Umi (12/1) made a winning handicap debut at Naas today, as the Ciaran Murphy trained filly landed the Care At Home Services Nursery, under jockey Shane Foley.
Drawn 10 of 14, Foley elected to race stands' side in the five-furlongs sprint and made all on the 58-rated daughter of Kuroshio, who beat McAuley's Tavern by a length and a half.
Westmeath based Murphy later said “she's has been slightly tricky but now she's straightened out and has come good. She's always shown that speed and it's lovely that she's now matured with racing. I think it's the sire - they are sharp and precocious.
“She was ahead of herself but now she's learned how to race and Shane was very good on her. We'll see how she goes now and maybe go for something like that again.
“He picked the right side and I was delighted because I think this side in Naas is more favoured - he took the bull by the horns and was very good on her.
“The filly was good as well and she's progressed lovely. Fair play to the owners (Ballymullen Stud Farm) as they've been patient.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
