Wishing Star got off the mark at the sixth time of asking in the Down GAA Maiden over an extended mile and two at Dundalk.

She had been third a couple of times and fourth three times in her previous races and punters fully expected her to score today as she went off the 8/11 favourite.

Once she regained the lead over a quarter of a mile from home, the race was sealed as she kept on well to pass the post two and a half lengths to the good. Stella d'Oro could make no impression in second at 9/4. He was a length in front of Ballycaines at 20/1.

Jockey Chris Hayes said: "She's a filly we've always liked and the form of her last run worked out. It was good placing by Fozzy (Stack) to find this race for her. It's very important with her pedigree to get a winning bracket.

"We'll see what the handicapper does but I'm sure there's a three-year-old only handicap over that trip or even a little bit further would right up her street.

"I suppose the class of the race I ended up in front sooner than I wanted but she was always well in command."