In-foal Land gives Kinirons first Galway winner

25/1 shot Hidden Land got a lovely split up the rail to make the most of her opportunity as first reserve in the Guinness 0.0 Handicap at Galway. Lady Christa made a bold bid from the front in the mile-and-a-half contest and saw of the challenge of Son Of Hypnos turning for home.

She was tackled by Hidden Land entering the final furlong, however, and the Andrew Kinirons-trained mare got on top in the last 100 yards to post a two-and-a-quarter length success.

The winner is in-foal to In Swoop and was recording her sixth career success, three over hurdles and three on the Flat.

"We entered her up during the week but got balloted and she was first reserve here so Peter (Byrne, owner) didn't come over from Liverpool. Fair play to John McConnell though as he rang me yesterday to say he was taking out his horse so we got in,” said Kinirons.

"She is in again tomorrow but I only stuck her in as it looked likely to be her third race to get balloted from. Today is probably her last flat run as she is in foal to In Swoop although she'll run again over hurdles in Downpatrick in a couple of weeks and that'll be her finished.

“That's her sixth win, she has black-type over jumps and is a tough mare. We picked her up for two-and-a-half grand and I'm delighted for Peter, who has had great craic with her.

"That's my first winner in Galway, I've had placed horses in the past and we always have just under 20 horses in training. I move them on if they aren't good enough for Ireland.

"This is a highlight as it is hard to win any race in Ireland and for her to win six is a brilliant achievement. Peter will probably keep her progeny so we'll have fun with those in the years ahead."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)