Ayelya jumps the last under Brian Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
Ayelya made all in the opener at Kilbeggan, the Like Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Maiden Hurdle.
The John 'Shark' Hanlon trained five-year-old wasn't placed on her previous fifteen starts, but did show promise on her last two efforts at Gowran and Cork respectively.
Sent off at 10/1 this evening, she was sent straight to the front by Brian Hayes. She was pressed from two out by Canny Tom but had the measure of that rival from the last, keeping on well under pressure to score by half a length.
The aforementioned Canny Tom (13/8) had to settle for minor honours yet again under Keith Donoghue for Gordon Elliott. Ancient Empire (22s this morning, returned 7s) was nine and a half lengths back in third with JJ Slevin in the saddle for his cousin Joseph O'Brien.
The Denis Hogan trained Shinghari was sent off the 11/10 favourite, and he finished a well-beaten fourth (later reported to be lame post race).
Hanlon said afterwards: "They let her off and when they did that she enjoyed herself in front."
"It's not too often you'd see an 80 rated mare winning a maiden. She enjoyed it up there by herself as she's not the most genuine mare in the country.
"She's very well bred and she's a winning mare now. For breeding she's worth a good few quid. I bought her out of the Aga Khan's.
"She shows plenty of ability at home but when she goes to the track she gets crowded and doesn't want to know.
"It worked out well today but I'd say it was a poor race."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Shinghari, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.
D.G. Hogan, rider of Shinghari, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran flat.
The Stewards interviewed K.M. Donoghue, rider of Canny Tom, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his clean record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
