Hawkhurst makes impressive debut in maiden

All roads led to Boulta for the annual Clonmult/Dungourney point-to-point fixture yesterday and the Denis Leahy-trained newcomer Hawkhurst produced a stunning debut victory in the first division of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden.

The Flemensfirth-sired Hawkhurst (6/4), an own-brother to former Grade 1 novice hurdle winner Muirhead, always took the eye in running with ‘Corky’ Carroll, although his fencing was of some cause for concern on occasion.

The eventual winner eased past long-time leader Cappa Doce on the run to the penultimate of the 14 obstacles and was well in command when closest pursuer Truckers Friend, in the region of eight lengths adrift, fell at the final fence.