Atsila makes winning debut for O'Brien & Ryan Donnacha O’Brien and Gavin Ryan both opened their account for the new Flat season as Atsila made a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Bellewstown. The daughter of Phoenix Of Spain was a bit slowly into stride and made headway from rear about two furlongs out. The 11/4 chance was switched out from the rail just over a furlong out and came home strongly to score by two and a quarter lengths. Chester Nimitz took the runner-up spot with Jorge Alvares a neck further back in third. Ryan said, “She was going well at home. Donnacha said 'I wouldn't rule this one out. I think she will have a nice chance'. "She jumped slow, and I thought that was kind of me ruled out of the race. "She travelled so well down through the middle of them. Coming on down past the two I was waiting for the gap and, when she got it, she put it to bed very easily. "She's still plenty green and had a good look at the road, but a smart performance. She finished off her race lovely, and will improve plenty for it." Quotes by Michael Graham
