Blackmore and de Bromhead strike with Somptueux Rachael Blackmore gave Somptueux a strong drive to land the spoils in the geldings maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan. Henry de Bromhead's charge went to post the 6/4 favourite in the two-mile-three contest and was sent into the lead going to the last. Market rival Enjoy D'allen stayed on to press the winner on the run-in but was held at bay by a neck. Somptueux had a couple of solid runs in maidens hurdles last winter but had disappointed when last seen at Punchestown in February. “He had some good form and off his mark today he was kind of entitled to do that so it's nice to get a win under his belt at the start of the season,” said Blackmore. “I was happy to get a lead and he's not slow either, he does have a turn of foot. “It's tough run-in after the last here as you are turning and up a hill, you need them altogether under you. Kevin (Sexton) on my outside was helping me and I was confident he was always going to stay in front. “He's done it lovely and hopefully he can progress as the season goes along.”
