The Pat Martin trained Havanna Belle left behind an unlucky effort at Sligo recently when landing the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Auction Maiden at Bellewstown today, scoring under Colin Keane.

The winning daughter of Teofilo battled gamely for a length and a quarter win over Manny Owens and afterwards Martin stated “she's a grand filly and her mother (Irina) was my first Listed performer although she didn't win one.”

He added “I thought we missed our change when everything semed to go wrong at Sligo the last day but I knew the ground wouldn't be a problem here today. She could come back in trip and we'll see what the handicapper does but she is likely to go for a nursery.”

Quotes from Gary Carson