Island off the mark in Curragh opener

Navassa Island got on top in the closing stages to record a valuable winning bracket in the opening Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden at the Curragh.

The Michael O'Callaghan-trained filly was narrowly denied in Group 3 company on her debut at Naas in May before finishing mid-division in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She failed to see out seven furlongs on her most recent start at Leopardstown and back at six today she gained a deserved win.

Dylan Browne McMonagle tracked the front-running She's Quality on the far rail and his mount wore down that rival inside the final furlong to record a three-parts-of-a-length win.

“She's a filly we've always liked and I'm delighted for her owner Abdullah. He bought this filly after her debut run at Naas,” said O'Callaghan.

“We went to Ascot thinking we had a live one and things just didn't happen for her, with the way the race panned out. That can happen with a two-year-old, being so inexperienced going there.

“Things didn't work out the last day again but she's come out of that, back to six and she's finished out her race lovely.

“Dylan gave her a lovely ride. She looks like a filly that will continue to improve, she doesn't over-race and she settles and relaxes. She came home well and we're delighted for everyone.

“Dylan said he was going to get her to relax, get her behind something, and if he was happy with what was in front of him he was just going to follow.

“She's in the Debutante but it might be a little bit soon because she's actually starting to grow a little bit. We'll see what happens, we might step up in grade and stay at six. A faster run race might suit her.

“She's has black-type already, she's won her maiden, so now it's about trying to win a stakes race. Something like the Firth Of Clyde could be a race for her, she handles a little ease in it.

“She should be able to go and win her stakes race, she's a sister to a Group 1 winner (Lezoo) so it's all about adding to that now.”