Shandra (Oisin Orr) makes a winning debut© Photo Healy Racing
Shandra looks a name to note for the future after making a smart winning debut in the Loder Irish EBF Fillies Race at the Curragh.
The conditions of this seven furlongs race are for fillies that have not run before the start of July and that have not be placed in a Stakes race, while those making their debut are given a 3lb allowance.
Talacre was the only one of the eight fillies with previous experience having finished second on both outings and she attempted to make all the running.
The 6/4 favourite was strongly pressed from over a furlong out, and it was at this point that Oisin Orr produced Shandra to challenge.
The Dermot Weld-trained daughter of Sea The Stars quickened up nicely in the final 100 yards to score by a length and a half, while Shahaada just edged out Talacre for the runner-up spot.
Kris Weld, son and assistant to the winning trainer, said “That was a lovely performance from a filly first time.
“Hopefully she’ll make up into a nice three-year-old and she will probably have one more run this year in a Stakes race.
“Today was really about getting her started and to win is a bonus. I’d imagine next year she will be a mile and a quarter filly at least.
“(Her half-sister) Shamreen won the Blandford two years running so she has it on the page.”
