Any Road clears the last under Mark McDonagh© Photo Healy Racing
Any Road got a deserved win to his name, as he claimed the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle on what was his debut over flights.
Owned and trained by Edward O'Grady and out of a sister to At Fishers Cross, the six-year-old was placed in three bumpers, disappointing when last seen at Ballinrobe in May.
Sent off the second choice of punters at 4/1, the Walk In The Park bay raced mainly in third under Mark McDonagh, improving into a much closer second before three out.
Soon in a share of the lead, he travelled best and got to the front before the last, where he was left clear after Purse Price blundered and unseated Jack Kennedy.
Eight lengths was ultimately the margin of victory, with dual point-to-point winner On Lovers Walk (14/1) filling the runner-up spot, six-and-a-half lengths clear of the easy-to-back Pampar Lady (16/1 from 7s) in third.
Sent off the clear favourite at 1/2, Theatre Native attempted to make all under Rachael Blackmore, but faded tamely when headed before three out and soon pulled up.
"It was a lot longer coming than I expected and I really hoped he'd win his bumper. I didn't expect him to run quite as well as that today because he was just ready for a run, but I was quite impressed," O'Grady reflected.
"He did a bit of work on Saturday, and I must say he didn't impress me - it was adequate.
"He jumped like a bird, and I think he had Gordon's horse (Purse Price) beaten when he fell. I'll have to see where I go from here. It's a nice problem to have. It would be lovely if he could step up.
"I thought he might be better over a trip but this race has superb prize money for a maiden hurdle and he was qualified for it, so I thought we better point him in that direction.
"I haven't seen it as heavy in a very long time. I'd say it's pretty muscle draining."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Theatre Native, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Theatre Native, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount stopped quickly.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
