Something springs a surprise for Howard

Somethingprecious sprang a 14/1 surprise in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle as she ran out a comfortable winner for trainer/jockey Danny Howard.

The seven-year-old daughter of Beneficial won a point-to-point on her sixth attempt at Ballingarry in November of last year and she ran well to finish third in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in February.

She was disappointing on her three starts since, finishing eighth of ten to Melbourne Lady on her last outing at Ballinrobe.

Having raced under a keen hold in third she improved into second before five out.

She hit the front before the next and soon went clear, keeping on well when ridden after the last, going on to score easily by thirteen lengths. Better Back Bob (7/4) had to settle for second yet again under Robbie Colgan for Neil McKnight while Moores Road finished a well-beaten fourth after being sent off the 8/11 favourite under Adrian Heskin for Michael Hourigan.

Danny Howard said afterwards: "I thought she would run well the last day, but things didn't go her way. The rest of the boys took a tug and let me go on. I'd say she'll go chasing now as she jumps a fence well. It was a six hour drive up this morning (from Co Clare)."

Owner Ted O'Sullivan who is from Co Clare added: "She was in fabulous form, but I fancied her more the last day.

"That's a great win with my second runner in Downpatrick, the other one didn't come in!

"She'll go chasing in a month's time. The six hour journey back is easier now."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham