John O'Riordan
Hassett's Harry makes virtually all to win on the Hill
Wayne Hassett won on board Harry's Hill at Bellewstown.
© Photo Healy Racing
The Martin Hassett trained Harry's Hill made virtually all the running to record a second course and distance success in landing the Dolly's Bar & Pantry Handicap at Bellewstown.
A winner here two years ago, the admirable six-year-old broke smartly under Wayne Hassett, taking full advantage of his rails draw to lead early.
Pressing on entering the straight, the Heeraat gelding stayed on strongly from over a furlong out to hold Transcendental by half-a-length.
Recording an eight career success, Harry's Hill was giving jockey Wayne Hassett another crucial winner in his bid to become champion apprentice.
Martin Hassett said: "He's an absolute superstar! He was bought for 12 grand and he has won 130/140 thousand.
"We thought it wasn't a bad race, but he's super fast out even though I think Rory (Cleary on Navalny took him on there today.
"Plum draw in one and Wayne said to me 'I'm letting him roll'.
"In fairness, the handicapper has given us a chance as he has dropped him a couple of pounds. That obviously helped us - running well without getting there and this time we got there.
"There's a race in Navan coming up soon over five. He has never run well over six, but I would be half tempted to give him a run in the Bold Lad (at the Curragh). He's never got it before, but it is a big pot and he likes those!"
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.