Freedom impresses on hurdling debut

TRAINER Jessica Harrington was understandably delighted by the successful hurdling debut success of Steps To Freedom in the opening Europe V America Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse yesterday.

Winner of two bumpers, including a Grade 2 event at Aintree, when trained by Gordon Elliott before achieving a flat rating of 104, the strapping of Statue Of Liberty gelding impressed under Robert Power, jumping fluently and travelling strongly before taking command between the last two flights and drawing clear to slam Leceile, effortlessly, by eight lengths.

The successful trainer stated: “He couldn’t do any more and jumped very well. He went to Con and Mags’ Power’s to do some loose schooling and, from the first day he jumped when he came back, he looked a natural.”