Conker lands some nice bets

The Billy Harney trained, Mikey Butler ridden, The Conker Club landed some nice bets as she took the 6yo plus Easter Holiday Maiden Hurdle.

The 7yo daughter of Beneficial, who is owned by the Old Port Syndicate, was 50/1 this morning with Paddy Powers but opened on track at 20/1 before going off at 18/1.

Having tracked the leaders in the early stages she took up the lead at the fifth flight and she kept up the gallop turning into the straight.

She was then driven out on the run-in to score by two and a quarter lengths from the 11/4 shot Coolnagorna Giggs in second for Tom Hogan and Eddie Power.

The 2/1 favourite, Alexander Leaving travelled well down the hill but found little off the bridle and had to settle for a disappointing third under Mark Walsh for Henry De Bromhead.

Rachel Harney, daughter of winning trainer Bill, said afterwards: "Dad is on a veterinary course. He thought he knew it all but he had to go.

"I tend to be lucky when I deputise for him. We’ll have to leave him at home again the next day.

"She wasn’t healthy until around six weeks ago and she’ll be kept on the go now but not on firm ground. She might go for a mares novice hurdle next.

"Today wasn’t the best race in the world but it’s great to get it because we have been struggling with injuries all season."

The winner was making her third start this afternoon having finished well down the field on her debut in a bumper at Limerick in January before she unseated on her hurdling debut at Gowran last time out in the race won by Lughnasa.

Her dam, Puff Of Magic, won a hanidcap hurdle at Sligo in 2004 for Edward O'Grady.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes