As the two-year-old season continued its slow trickle, it was a particularly pleasing day on Saturday for trainer Richard Azan.

Azan watched with pride as his two first-time starters, Honey Ryda ( Adore The Gold – Kathythetraina) and Woodhouse ( Emperor Hall – Gold Flinger) finished first and second, respectively in a maiden two-year-old event over four furlongs (800m).

“You have to start from scratch when you are preparing a two-year-old to race for the very first time. Plus, one of the most satisfying feelings of all as a trainer of horses is when you have a two-year-old that wins at first ask.

“She ( Honey Ryda) is a very nice filly and I am preparing her for the better two-year-olds races to come later in the year. This debut run came at the right time for Honey Ryda, and she won quite nicely. It was a good win and so good to run first and second — that was very satisfying.

“So, let’s see what happens from here on. I am not thinking about a distance of ground now, that is, going long, what we are interested in is the two-year-old races which will be coming up shortly. You have some races on the calendar over six furlongs with good purses, and so we are going to work towards those first. Timing is crucial for these youngsters, so I will be watching closely as both Honey Ryda and Woodhouse develop.

“This run by Honey Ryda is a stepping stone for the future,” Azan told the Complete Racing Guide.

Honey Ryda was a bit reluctant to enter the number seven post at the start of the race but once the chestnut filly entered the starting gates it was smooth sailing. Honey Ryda battled with Alexandra (Omar Walker) and Apollo Bay (Linton Steadman) for the first half of the race before she hit top gear and drew away for a comfortable victory in the end.

Stable companion Woodhouse, ridden by Phillip Parchment, came with a strong run in the final stage of the race for second place ahead of Alexandra and Hot Ice, the mount of Prince Holder.

The winning time was 48.3 seconds with a two-furlong split of 23.3 seconds.