Naas report: Determined Darasso defies top-weight to deliver victory

Darasso and Mark Walsh (left) win the BetVictor Limestone Lad Hurdle (Grade 3) from Saint Felicien (right). Picture: Healy Racing.

Darasso, trained for J P McManus by Joseph O’Brien, defied top-weight and ended Saint Felicien’s unbeaten record in the BetVictor Limestone Lad Hurdle, one of two Grade 3 events on Sunday's card in Naas.

Ridden by Mark Walsh, the tough and versatile nine-year-old came off from a strong pace, set by Felix Desjy, mastered odds-on favourite Saint Felicien before the final flight and stayed on stoutly to beat that rival by three and a quarter lengths, with Whiskey Sour in third.