Yokkell shines on hurdles debut

Five times a winner on the Flat, Yokkell (6/4) made a successful debut over jumps in the Hovis (Prev. Premier Bakeries Ireland) Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Ridden by Alex Harvey and carrying the colours of Seamus Devlin, the daughter of Fast Company tracked the pace and headed market leader Born In Purple before the second-last where that rival blundered. 

Yokkell had the race in safe keeping once negotiating the last where the fall of Born In Purple left her further clear and she passed the post 19 lengths to the good over Party Dress  

Trainer John McConnell said: "When we actually bought her, we bought her to go jumping. Things went so well on the Flat, we have nearly waited a year to do it. 

"She has still a bit to learn, but she has the aptitude and the guts and the will to do it. She's a really, really nice filly. She attacks her hurdles. 

"I don't know the strength in depth of it, but she could only do what she did. She has a bit of class there and that will certainly take her a good bit in the jumps racing. 

"Even though she was a little bit green, Alex said there was plenty of room for improvement jumping-wise. I'm delighted and very relieved. 

"We have been waiting for her - she has probably reached her ceiling Flat-wise. I think I told Seamus about a month ago that she would win the maiden hurdle in Down Royal. Seamus is from the north, so it is a big deal for him." 

When asked if she could go to Cheltenham in October, he replied: "I don't know what we will do - we are not well handicapped now anyway! "

I don't think you would be afraid to go anywhere with her. She wouldn't disgrace herself and can travel away. 

"We could come back here for the mares' novice in November and that could be an option. It would be lovely for Seamus. Lots of options. 

"She probably wouldn't go on winter, heavy ground, but she would go with some ease." 

Quotes from Michael Graham