Mid Winster is ridden out by Ben Coen© Photo Healy Racing
Ben Coen teamed-up with his uncle Andy Slattery to take the opener at the Curragh this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, with 8/1 chance Mid Winster
Sixth of fourteen on her debut at Fairyhouse last month, the daughter of Burwaaz was sent off an 8/1 chance this afternoon, in the colours of the Goodcraic Syndicate.
Settled behind the leaders on the far side, the bay victor improved to lead from the furlong pole, and was ridden out from there to hold off the challenge of newcomer Nitro Boost (7/1) by a neck.
Billy Lee was aboard the runner-up for Willie McCreery, while the 9/4 favourite Carbon Fibre was another two and a half lengths back in third.
"She's a nice filly and she won despite being on the wrong side of the track," said Slattery.
"I told him to come up the near side but he obviously he didn't listen to me!
"The near side is a fierce advantage but I suppose they broke and three of them went there. He's a bit young, I suppose, and got caught into it. It worked anyway.
"We fancied her but yesterday morning she was in season and the vet told me not to run her for three or four days. I took a gamble and it paid off.
"She's a very fast filly and five furlongs on soft ground would be up her alley but she'd go on good to firm.
"We'll see what mark we get after this but she could be sold, probably to America, so we'll see what happens.
"The lads are from Sligo and have her leased off me. It's their first horse and they only have her a month.
"She's still a bit weak, she's a big filly. She came to me last February, she was very light and weak and started thriving and thriving. I think she'll be a better three-year-old and she's always showed a lot of pace.
"I'd say that's the sire's first winner. I had to come here as the next race for her over five furlongs was the September 5th. When she was in season yesterday morning we had to take a chance."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
