G'day Mate (nearest) just prevails over West Of Wichita © Photo Healy Racing
The Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden produced a duel throughout its five furlongs between 11/10 favourite G'day Mate and market rival West of Wichita.
The pair disputed the lead all the way and the latter, with the rail to help, made the favourite pull out all the stops but Shane Foley's mount, trained by Jessica Harrington for Mrs Theresa Marnane, edged ahead close home to score by a short head.
The son of Havana Grey had been second to the subsequent Group 2-placed Gunzburg on debut at Down Royal.
Assistant trainer Kate Harrington, “There isn’t much of him and we didn’t really have him revved for the first day but he’d improved from it and all he’s done since is thrive and put on weight.
“This looked like a good opportunity for him albeit that he had to give the second 9lb. That was a good performance with the weight and I’m delighted for him to get his head in front for the Marnane team. They have provided us with some lovely two-year-olds this season.
“We might find a winners of one or there is a possibility that he might go for the Anglesey at the Curragh on Oaks weekend as Shane says that he is crying out for a straight track.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
