Damefirth foils plunge on favourite

Punters who took part in the early price gamble on Powder Hound had their fingers well and truly burnt at Kilbeggan.

Noel Meade 's four-year-old gelding was returning off a break since February but was all the rage when he was chalked up at even money this morning. He was backed down to 1/2 on the off.

It was Damefirth who scuppered those who thought they were 'buying money'. She came through to lead before the second last and powered away from Powder Hound who toiled in pursuit of her and went down by four and a half lengths. Poetic Lord at 6s came in third.

Successful handler Henry de Bromhead said: "Her first run in a bumper was really good, but on her second run the ground was watered a lot and it was nearly yielding to soft. She loves jumping.

"Brian (Hayes) has been riding out for us and when Andrew (Lynch) got hurt he got his chance. It's a Facebook Syndicate (Wilde At Heart Syndicate). They've had Wilde Sapphire before. They are from all over the country."

Damefirth was friendless with punters. Having been 7/2 this morning she more than doubled to 8/1 on the off. She was the only mare in this eight-runner field and received a 7lb allowance.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee