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Nothing finicky about Feane's Finika

Finika Finika
© Healy Racing Photos

Third over the minimum distance in a course maiden last month, Finika (15/2) went two places better when making all under Ronan Whelan in Cork's six-furlong maiden.

The Derby-winning jockey had matters in hand entering the final furlong and just changed his hands on the reins a few times to keep the daughter of Mehmas going as she crossed the line with a length to spare over 11/8 favourite Stooked  

Having just her third start, the winner was bred by owners James Hanly and Charlotte Musgrave at their Ballyhimikin Stud near Nenagh.

"Her run the first day was fine, as she got stage fright, and her second run was a big improvement," said winning trainer John Feane.

"She jumped and travelled today, is getting more professional and hit the line well.

"Progeny of Mehmas are good horses and are versatile ground-wise, so we'll see how she is in the morning and everyone is hoping for black-type with these fillies."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

1st
15/2
Tote €10.50 €2.60
2nd
1L
11/8Fav
€1.10
3rd
1.75L
11/2
€1.90
4th
0.5L
10/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.