Ardla makes all to score for Halford & Dempsey

Ardla (7/1) enjoyed the good to yielding ground and made all to win the Irish Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle under Luke Dempsey.

A bumper winner on debut last year and second in a Flat maiden at this venue in October, the Delegator gelding was getting off the mark on his third start over hurdles having chased home Grand Jury at Punchestown last month.

He was slick over his obstacles in the home straight and stayed on well to account for promising newcomer Farmers Lodge (50/1) by four and a half lengths with the 7/4 favourite Deploy The Getaway who was unable to make any impression from three out, a further length and a half back in third.

Winning trainer Michael Halford said: “I just left it up to Luke (Dempsey) to ride him where he wanted. He jumps well and he had the experience.

“He’d come forward in his homework since his run in Punchestown. He went around over the hurdles in the Curragh the other morning and I was delighted with him.

“He probably wouldn’t want heavy ground and he’s only getting stronger.

“I had in the back of my mind to give him a bit of a break and bring him back for the spring but we’ll see how he is.

“You’d look forward to the day he’ll be jumping a fence.”

Quotes from Alan Magee