Sublimity sees off former champions in Leopardstown

Robbie Hennessy saddled his first ever winner as 2007 Champion Hurdle victor Sublimity saw off a battle-hardened field in the Grade One Leopardstown Golf Centre December Festival Hurdle today.

Hennessy only took over care of the Cheltenham winner when taking out a licence earlier in the season.

After a near-miss in the rescheduled "Fighting Fifth", he went one better on the final day of Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

The eight-year-old had failed to win since his Festival success 21 months ago, but Philip Carberry's mount relished the quick conditions and was always travelling powerfully.

Two other Champion Hurdle winners, Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace, cut out the running until the former weakened leaving the back stretch, from where a wall of four horses swung the final bend in unison.

Sizing Europe, the 15-8 favourite, again flattered to deceive and was the first to crack, with Sublimity striking the front heading to the final flight.

Surprise package Won In The Dark threw down a strong challenge on the run to the line but was always being held by the 3-1 winner and lost out by half a length, with the pair well clear of Brave Inca in third.

Hennessy has just 11 horses in his care in County Kilkenny, and his stable star is now the general 10-1 second favourite behind Binocular for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle in March.

Hennessy said: "To have a first winner in a Grade One - it doesn't get much better than that.

"Philip gave him a super ride and was so cool.

"The ground played its part and we told Philip to take his time and not hit the front until after the last as he probably got there a bit soon at Wetherby last time.

"He was unlucky to have two trips over to England in a week, and that probably took the edge of him.

"People seemed to knock the Champion Hurdle he won but he has proved himself again and he must go back to Cheltenham with a great chance.

"If the ground is good and he is good we'll bring him back here for the Toshiba Champion Hurdle next month."

Carberry added: "The ground is very important to him and he jumped super all of the way.

"He was making ground at every hurdle and I had to keep taking him back."

Won In The Dark was a Grade One winner at this meeting 12 months ago and earned a 20-1 quote (from 33s) with Paddy Power for the Champion Hurdle.

His trainer Sabrina Harty said: "I knew we were up against it coming here, but I am over the moon with him. I'm so excited you would think he has won!

"We have been waiting for better ground as he hates the mud. He couldn't quicken on heavy ground at Punchestown last time but was only beaten five lengths under hands-and-heels riding.

"If the ground is good he'll come back here next month."

Brave Inca continues to excel, despite his advancing years, and again made the frame at the top level on his second start back from injury.

Trainer Colm Murphy said of the 2006 Champion Hurdle hero: "He was there with every chance and has ran a blinder.

"He has now got his two runs under his belt and he seems A1.

"Ruby (Walsh) said they didn't go hard enough for him, and I have no doubt he will get further.

"We will stick to two miles for the time being and he'll have an entry in the Champion Hurdle here next month."

Sizing Europe was eased out to 16-1 from 8s for the Champion Hurdle by Coral.

His trainer Henry de Bromhead was puzzled by the six-year-old's tame effort which resulted in a fifth-place finish.

He said: "He wants a fast-run race, and that is the only thing I can think of.

"Brave Inca wants a fast-run race too though, and he left us standing.

"I am disappointed as he just emptied."