Danu produces Mighty finish to strike on debut

Mighty Danu swooped late on debut to take the opener at Galway this evening, the James's Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden.

Out of Truffles, who won twice at this week long festival in 2018, the Gavin Cromwell-trained bay was sent off an 11/1 chance.

Settled in mid-division by Gary Carroll and pushed along in a share of fifth approaching the straight, she was soon angled to the outer and ridden.

Improving into third with just under a furlong to go, she really got motoring inside the final 100 yards and ultimately prevailed by a neck.

While also finishing strongly, the easy-to-back Bellamano (11/2 from 10/3) couldn't match the winner close home and had to settle for the runner-up berth.

Looking the most likely winner when kicking a few lengths clear early in the straight, the front-running Nazario (7/2) just couldn't see it out in front and was another half-a-length back in third.

"She was very green. We liked her and she went to the line well," Cromwell reflected.

"She's a big tall filly and there is plenty of improvement in her. She's going to make into a nice three-year-old as well.

"I thought she had a place chance, I knew she was going to be very green and wasn't sure if she was going to be streetwise enough to be winning but it's nice that she did.

"Gary gave her a nice ride and gave her a chance.

"She could possibly go for a winners race or she could be sold as well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Whelan, rider of We Plead The Fifth trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he took a precautionary check on the line.

G.F. Carroll, rider of Mighty Danu, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green up the straight.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Gemical trained by Kevin Thomas Coleman, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got upset in the stalls.

R. Coakley, rider of Up To Ninety trained by Jack W. Davison, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Bellamano, ridden by B.M. Coen, placed second, Nazario, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed third, We Plead The Fifth, ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed fourth, and Mighty Danu, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed first, where it appeared We Plead The Fifth had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R.P. Whelan stated that his mount ran green and he had to take a precautionary check. B.M. Coen stated that he kept a relatively straight line. G.F. Carroll stated that his mount took a step to his right but felt the horse on his inside came out to meet him. J.A. Heffernan stated that he maintained his racing line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson