Jaliyah secured a commanding victory at Cork

Adrian Murray’s Jaliyah, the only horse in the Cork fillies' maiden with prior race experience, made the most of it to secure victory by half a length at 7/1.

She displayed strong resolve to fend off the challenge of Kitty Rickets in the final stages and pulled away from the 12/1 runner-up. Wemighttakedlongway (20/1), who showed promise on debut, finished another half a length back in third.

Jaliyah, who finished a staying-on fourth on her debut at the Curragh in a maiden that has since proven to be strong form, had a less impressive performance in her next outing, finishing fifth over a shorter distance at Naas. Today’s step-up to a mile suited her well.

Jockey Robert Whearty remarked: “She had a smooth run throughout, allowing me to let her gradually make progress. She still made a few mistakes and took a few furlongs to find her rhythm, but once she settled, she quickened up nicely. She’s a lovely, big filly who handled the ground well.”