Good As Hell justifies favouritism in Wexford opener

Good As Hell got favourite backers off to a bright start when making all in the Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The Philip Fenton-trained seven-year-old had shown some promise in point-to-points and when fourth to Copper Nation in a Cork maiden hurdle last month.

The 2/1 favourite took control from before the penultimate flight under Brian Hayes and was clear on the run-in before It’saleader narrowed the gap in the closing stages to get within a length and a quarter. Rose Mahler kept on from off the pace in the straight to finish a yawning 22 lengths further back in third.

Fenton said, “I'm sure the blinkers made a big difference. Going to the second last you'd say she was going to win easily but she was all out at the end. I'm just glad we held on.

“She had reasonable form coming into today and on her last run you'd say she was entitled to be there or thereabouts.

“I'm pleased to get a win for James Moran who unfortunately lost Akito a few years back and lost Even Flight last December. It's nice to get a change of luck.”

(GC & AM)