Security scores despite market drift

The opening race of 2013 at Wexford Racecourse, the New Ross 4yo Maiden Hurdle, went to the 7/4 second favourite Security Breach for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins.

The former Andy Oliver trained son of Red Clubs was making his second start over hurdles today having finished second to Carhue on his hurling debut at Clonmel last month.

Having opened the 5/4 favourite with Paddy Powers this morning, the Gigginstown House Stud owned gelding drifted on track from 11/10 out to 7/4 at the off.

All the money came for the Dessie Hughes trained hurdling debutante King Of The Picts who opened at 9/2 with Paddy Powers this morning before being backed from 2/1 into 11/8 favourite on-course.

The Paul Nolan trained Alazari attempted to make all under Conor Walsh but he was passed on both sides approaching the last as Bryan Cooper barraged his way up the inside aboard the favourite.

Security Breach got first run on him on the outside and as hard as King Of The Picts tried he couldn’t make up the margin and had to settle second, a length behind the winner.

Alazari ran a fine race to finish eight and a half lengths back in third at 33/1 under Conor Walsh.

Paul Townend said afterwards: "He settled and travelled although he did idle a bit when he hit the front. He is the type who would appreciate a bit better ground."

The winner was bought at the Tattersalls July Sale last year for 42,000 guineas.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee