Notable win for Robert Murphy with well-backed Darrens Hope

The Listed Paddy’s Rewards Club EBF Novice Hurdle saw Darrens Hope (5/2) make all the running in the hands of Paul Townend.

In a steadily-run affair, Townend controlled the race from the front and his mount really picked up well when they got racing over the final three flights.

The daughter of Oscar, who won a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe on her previous start, stayed on strongly to defeat the 15/8 favourite Ragnar Lodbrok by seven lengths.

There was support in the morning markets for the winner, as big as 12/1 overnight but supported at all rates down to an opening show of 3/1.

It was a notable victory for owner/trainer Robert Murphy, based near Cappoquin, who also bred the half-sister to useful chaser Acting Lass.

"She won very well and is an exciting mare to have.

"This race came up sooner than we wanted and it was only two weeks since she ran. We didn't want to run her so soon.

"She is a great mare to stay and the farther she goes the better she'd like it.

"We might go for a beginners' as chasing will be her game but there might be another novice race for her. We'll see what happens and I'll see what the jockey says.

"This is my biggest win."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes