Abiding Star blazes a trail to win under Roche Abiding Star made every yard of the running under Leigh Roche to gain the first win of her career in the Landy, Muldoon & Co Maiden at Bellewstown. Back in maiden company having finished mid division in a handicap at Down Royal last time, the four-year-old made the most of her experience to hit the gates running. Despite only having an official rating of 49, the daughter of Starspangledbanner boosted plenty racing experience having had 14 previous starts. Clear at halfway, the Rachel Hayes owned filly looked to have her race won a furlong out but as her earlier exploits began to take a toll, she stopped quickly in front, just holding on close home to beat favourite Viamonte a short head. Leigh Roche said: "She winged the gates the last day in Down Royal too. With those hardened handicappers, they can go with you in a battle. We said sharp five here, and in maiden company have them on their heads, and you might be able to steal it. She did, in fairness. "She gave me everything and I was all out at the road and, in fairness to her, whatever she had left she gave me. "Chris' wife owns her and she is over in France. I might get something out of him, maybe a pint or something!" Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
