Son Of Yeats Hits The Target On Second Attempt

The Brian Hamilton-trained Direct Fire (4g Yeats - Emmylou Du Berlais, by Kadalko) built on his debut fourth behind Sporting John (Getaway) to win the Four-Year-Old Maiden at Moira on Saturday.

Ridden prominently by Declan Lavery, the Gigginstown-owned bay improved to take second five fences from home and disputed the lead from two out. Driven out, he stayed on well on the run-in to beat Berties Girl by two and a half lengths.

Bred by Miss Philippa Baird, Direct Fire cost connections €65,000 at the Goffs Land Rover Sale. A half-brother to Grade 2 winner Mr Mole, he provides a nice update for his Mahler half-brother, who was bought by Ian Ferguson for €35,000 as a foal in 2017.