Plans for Boynagh Joy are up in the air after she capped a terrific autumn campaign with victory in the Listed Cooley Fillies Stakes at Dundalk.
James Halpin's filly won a handicap at the all-weather venue in September off a mark of 57, but she has taken a swift hike in the ratings since and was racing off 85 in this mile event.
That proved no bar to success though, with Boynagh Joy handling the leap in company with aplomb, powering home by half a length in the hands of Sean Levey.
"It wasn't a shock. I had said beforehand that I'd be surprised if she won but not shocked. We just didn't know how she would take the step up in class," said Halpin.
"That's it for the season now. Whether she goes to stud or not now I don't know. She might even be for sale after picking up black type."
John Oxx's Dubawi Star (7-2) got off the mark in good style in the www.dundalkstadium.com Median Auction Maiden.
"He did it well. He got stuck in the ground last time at the Curragh. He travelled well but just got bogged down inside the last," said winning rider Fran Berry.
"He handled the surface well there. I got the run of the race. He quickened well and it was a good performance."
The Kevin Prendergast-trained Madeira Man (5-1) proved game to land the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Nursery Handicap under Sam James.
"He was lugging in the whole way and I just tried to keep him out the best I could. He did it well when he got out," said James.
Gary Carroll made it 36 winners for the year aboard Kirsty's Boy (9-1) in the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap, putting him level with Ben Curtis in the battle for the champion apprentice title.
