Fame And Joy hacks up for Harrington & O'Keeffe

The 11/5 favourite Fame And Joy was a facile winner of the Follow Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Maiden Hurdle.

Having tracked the leaders, Sean O’Keeffe allowed his mount to stride on from the second last and it was bar a fall at the last.

The 5-year-old cruised home by all of 23 lengths from outsider Dothislikethis (125/1).

Trained by Jessica Harrington, the winner had reached the frame behind some smart mares in three outings in bumpers last year, but had disappointed when pulled up on her hurdling bow at Bellewstown last month.

"That was a very nice performance," said O'Keeffe.

"She had good bumper form and I think the ground was a bit quick for her the last day.The ground was lovely today and she jumped super.

"She has a very nice pedigree (full-sister to Grade 1 winning hurdler Commander Of Fleet) and I’m told the owner (Patricia Coghlan) had the dam and grandam as well so it’s great that family is still going and I’d be hopeful that she will progress into a nice mare.

“She finished strongly and going further would be no bother to her.”

Quotes from Alan Magee