Serpolette stays wide and in front

Denis O'Regan charted a wide course on Serpolette to land the spoils in the www.Belmontequineproducts.com Maiden Hurdle at Bellewstown.

The Eamonn Delany-trained filly was soon in front in the two-and-a-half mile contest and made the best of her way home.

Market leaders Hand In My Pocket and Jimmy Jimmy gave chase in the closing stages but the daughter of Dylan Thomas stuck on gamely to record a three-and-three-quarter length win.

The 16/1 winner had been fourth on her last start at Sligo and the trainer son Alan said afterwards:-

“We were a bit concerned about the ground. We knew if it was the last race we'd be in trouble but thought we might get away with it in this race.

“We thought we'd stay out for the better ground. We said to Denis if there was no pace and she settled after the first two to let her roll along and he decided to do that, it worked out.

“She jumped a lot better than she did the last day but she's learning and she still has a lot of learning to do.

“I don't think we'll see the best of her until next year, probably over a fence.

“She has her job done now and at a local track. One of the owners is down at the last hurdle there and let a roar at Denis jumping the last!

“It's a family effort with my wife Lisa at home and my brother Mark working at home on the farm.”