Zannda and Pat Smullen get the better of Wedding Vow and Ryan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen teamed up for their fifth winner in a row when Zannda got home, but only just, to the satisfaction of those that made her the 4/6 favourite for the opening Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.
The Aga Khan's Zannda, second here on her debut back in October, was never far off what looked a gentle gallop, and herself and the Ryan Moore-ridden Ballydoyle Galileo filly, Wedding Vow settled down to battle it out over the final couple of furlongs.
In the end the hot-pot dug it out bravely to win by half a length. They left Athassel Abbey four and a quarter lengths back in third.
"It was a tight battle and two jockeys riding at their very best. They are two brilliant riders and will give us plenty of entertainment in the coming year," said Weld.
"She's a nice filly and did her job, doing what we expected her to do. She'll appreciate better ground and will hopefully make a lovely filly over a mile-and-a-half as the year progresses.
"I always wanted this race for her. I see her as a progressive filly and definitely a stakes filly.
"She's a magnificent, lovely big filly. She has size and scope."
The Stewards enquired into the fact that Lily White Socks trained by P. D. Deegan arrived at the start wearing a hood which it had not been declared to carry.
Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who accepted responsibility for the oversight and apologised for the inconvenience. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards ordered the removal of the hood and allowed the horse to run. They further cautioned P.D. Deegan of his future responsibilities in this regard.
(GC & EM)
