Three-year-old filly Houlihan announced her return to racing in style on Sunday, producing a brilliant front-running display to score an impressive all-the-way victory at Devonport.

Carrying the familiar colours of Star Thoroughbreds, the daughter of Hanseatic is trained by Barry Campbell for prominent owner and syndicator Denise Martin, whose family has long-standing ties to Tasmanian racing.

The win marked Houlihan’s first raceday appearance since December last year. On that occasion, rider Craig Newitt felt something was amiss with the filly’s action shortly after the start and elected to ease her out of the race. Subsequent veterinary examinations revealed lameness in both her off-fore and off-hind legs.

Given time to recover, Houlihan was sent for a spell before returning to work. Following two encouraging trial performances, she resumed as race favourite at Devonport and justified that confidence with a dominant performance.

Campbell was pleased with the result, telling Tasracing: “She’s a small filly and hasn’t grown much, but she should go through her grades.”

Houlihan was purchased for $35,000 by Star Thoroughbreds and Randwick Bloodstock from the 2024 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. She is by Hanseatic out of Ray’s Dream and appears to have a bright future ahead after her successful comeback.

The victory also provided another boost for her sire Hanseatic, who recorded his 34th individual winner of the season. Standing at Rosemont Park, the Group 1-winning son of Street Boss continues to build an impressive record with his early runners.