Abraham caps a good day at Naas for Brassil Abraham won on debut for the Martin Brassil yard, and did so in style, in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Naas. Brassil’s son Conor took the mount, and he was supremely confident aboard the Colm Herron-owned eight-year-old. Brassil senior had earlier sent out Longhouse Poet to finish third in the big one behind Envoi Allen. Here the conditional jockey’s confidence in Abraham was well justified when easing ahead on the run-in. Abraham ended up beating Mc Alpine and Rapid Response by a length and a quarter and a length and a half. “I was surprised in a way. I got him from Shay Barry back in August and it took him a while to settle into the routine,” said the successful handler. “I had been happy with his work. I believe he wants real good ground so I was worried it might be a bit on the slow side for him. “I thought the trip was going to help him. He'd never ran further than two over hurdles and I just felt he definitely needed a little bit further. “I'd say two miles was just getting on the short side for him.” Reflecting on Longhouse Poet's performance Brassil commented: "I was very pleased with the run. “The winner has that much more experience and miles under his belt, in good company. “We'd be very pleased in his first run out of maiden company. He stays and I'd say he could be a better horse when he has more horses around him too. “We'll probably enter him for the two-mile-six at Leopardstown but he could go straight for the Ballymore.” C.A. Landers, rider of Volatile Lady trained by Brendan W.Duke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't handle the ground. (GC & EM)
