Spark off the mark for Barcoe

Hollow Spark kept on strongly from the last to open her account in the first division of the 80-95 handicap hurdle at Gowran Park this afternoon.

The Jimmy Barcoe-trained mare had a spin on the Flat at this venue early last month having been second on her previous outing over timber at Bellewstown.

She went to post a 7/1 shot today and was in front early, under Kieran Callaghan, before surrendering the lead after the third flight to the free running Dream Escape

The Beat Hollow mare was driven into the lead again jumping the penultimate flight and galloped on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters success. Ballycommon Chapel finished off well to grab the runner-up spot.

“She was staying at it well on her last run over hurdles and she had a couple of solid runs before that,” said Barcoe.

“Her last run on the Flat was a grand run too. Stormalong was fourth in that race and she won yesterday off 112.

“She was consistent so I'm delighted to get that.

“She seems to be effective on quick ground, I don't think she's a winter mare. She's not the biggest in the world but she has a big heart.

“She's in at Tramore next week but we'll have to see what the weather does.”