18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Mataariki makes impression on debut

Tue 23rd Apr 2024, 17:35

Mataariki has them toiling in behindMataariki has them toiling in behind
© Photo Healy Racing

Mataariki looked like a smart prospect when making a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Gowran Park.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained daughter of Cracksman went to post a 10/3 shot on her racecourse bow and tracked the leaders early in the mile contest.

Dylan Browne McMonagle asked his mount to challenge a furlong-and-a-half from home and she kicked on over a furlong out to record a convincing three-and-three-quarter length win.

“I'm very happy with her. She didn't really show any signs of greenness, she travelled well throughout the race and quickened up well. She's a smart filly,” said O'Brien.

“I thought she'd run well and we thought she'd handle the ground, Dylan was quite impressed with her as was I.

“I would't be against looking at the Victor McCalmont Stakes back here (May 8th) although it's maybe coming up a bit soon.

“She probably has to go into a stakes race, there is also the fillies ten furlongs race in Naas (Blue Wind Stakes May 11th).

“We'll see how she pulls up and make a plan from there. She handled that ground and will probably always like putting her toe in the ground.”

1st
10/3
Tote €4.40 €1.20
2nd
3.75L
8/1
€1.40
3rd
1.25L
7/1
€1.70
4th
3.75L
5/1
bf
0.5L
6/5Fav
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.