Identity Thief does it the hard way at Down Royal

Identity Thief made all to land the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle in Down Royal, part of doubles for trainer Henry de Bromhead and rider Bryan Cooper and middle leg of a treble for Gigginstown House Stud.

Having his first outing since the Punchestown Festival, the Kayf Tara dictated the pace and jumped well, with the exception of the final flight, to justify 15/8 favouritism at the expense of Whiteout.

“He did it the hard way and Bryan gave him a super ride,” stated de Bromhead, who completed his double with The King Of Brega (Andrew Lynch) in the Robinson Services Handicap Chase: “I must talk to the O’Learys, but I’d imagine he’ll stay hurdling this season. We might look at the Hatton’s Grace next, over two and a half miles and we might find a route to the Champion Hurdle.”