18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Epsom Derby winners take the last at Gowran

Mon 6th Jun 2016, 17:39

Baliyka is pushed out by Pat SmullenBaliyka is pushed out by Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing

The Epsom Derby winning team of Dermot Weld, Pat Smullen and the Aga Khan, were on the mark in the last at Gowran, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden, as Baliyka made the breakthrough on the her third career start.

Fifth on her debut at Killarney last month, the daughter of Cape Cross was third on her next start at Naas when stable second string.

Upped in trip to a mile and one today, she was sent off the 4/6 market leader (touched evens on-course).

Sent straight to the front by Smullen, she made all, and was pushed out inside the final furlong to score by a comfortable length and a quarter. Remarkable Lady (3/1) finished second under Chris Hayes for Harry Rogers, while Runmhar was two and a half lengths back in third.

Smullen said afterwards: "She's very straightforward, and a lovely sweet filly. She was very professional and went along in front. She had a good run the last day in Naas.

"I'd say about a mile and a quarter is her trip, and hopefully she can find a little handicap."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.