Hughes at the double
Zululand, ridden by claimer Nicky O’Shea, who is based with Hughes, made all the running to land the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at the expense of Koln Stars.
Later the combination of Hughes and amateur Roger Loughran clicked in the bumper, just as they had done at the last meeting at the County Westmeath track.
This time it was the turn of second reserve Hows Trix, owned by the HD Racing Syndicate which landed the spoils, taking command before the home turn and holding off the persistent challenge of Basanna. The winner, a son of Lord Americo, is now likely to go hurdling.
There was an interesting chasing recruit in the Hacketts Bookmakers Beginners Chase when the Noel Meade-trained Duneden justified strong support (5/2-7/4), making a successful start to his career over fences. Ridden by stable jockey Paul Carberry, Duneden drew clear on the run-in to beat Andy Higgins by eight lengths, prompting Meade to explain: “He was struggling a bit over hurdles because of his lack of pace. But he jumps well and an extended trip like this suits him. I hope to run him again while the ground is fast before giving him a break. He’ll come back in the spring.”
Blackhall Claw landed the McHugh New Holland Maiden Hurdle for trainer Sean Treacy and jockey Mike Darcy, benefiting from the fall of Result at the second last flight where the eventual winner appeared in trouble. Following the exit of the favourite, Blackhall Claw had to work hard to get the better of Jimmyonecoat and trainer Treacy will keep the winner busy until the ground turns soft.
Former all-Ireland winning Kilkenny hurler Kieran Purcell has enjoyed a welcome run of success in recent weeks and was on the mark again when Emeranna, ridden by Johnny Allen, overcame a tardy start in the Pat Doyle Memorial Mares Hurdle.
