Desert Heather bolts up on handicap debut

Placed in three maiden hurdles after rattling up a hat-trick in the autumn point-to-point season, Desert Heather (7/1) made a mockery of her opening mark of 106 in the 2m7f handicap hurdle.

Having tracked the leaders under Ray Barron, the daughter of Cloudings led two out and was soon ridden clear. Once the latter had a look around after the final flight , he was able to ease down the seven-year-old who still had nine lengths to spare over Townhill Penny at the line.

Declan Queally trains the winner for owner/breeder Harry Gettings.

Declan Queally junior, assistant to his father, said: “She had been banging away in maiden hurdles and Kevin Sexton, who is injured, said to me she wants better ground and Cloudings can stay well.

“Ray is a big help with the 7lb and it's Harry's first winner under rules. He’s from Rathcormac in County Cork and has four horses with us. He’s a good supporter of ours.

“The handicapper will probably give her a fair belt for that and she’ll tip away over the summer.”

Quotes from Alan Magee