Bopedro and Conor Hoban© Photo Healy Racing
Conor Hoban bridged an 11-year gap when landing the Paddy Power Irish Cambridgeshire for the second time as Bopedro took the €80,000 mile event in commanding fashion at the Curragh.
The five-year-old gelding, who attracted some support before the off from 40/1 into 28/, put a disappointing effort here last time behind him in no uncertain terms.
Jessica Harrington ’s charge made up significant ground on the far rail to lead just over a furlong out and was driven clear to score by a convincing two and a half lengths.
The well-backed 9/2 favourite Moddy Poddle took the runner-up spot, with Fastnet Crown keeping on into third and top-weight Saltonstall in fourth.
Hoban’s previous Cambridgeshire win was gained on the Michael Halford-trained Hujaylea, while his CV also includes another big handicap victory aboard Lord Erskinein the 2017 Cesarewitch.
Mrs Harrington, who was earlier on the mark with Magical Lagoon also owned by Zhang Yuesheng, said “First time visor made all the difference to him. I told Conor to bury him and he picked up really well. It’s fantastic.
“It’s great for Conor as he broke Magical Lagoon for me as he does most of Mr Zhang’s.
“They don’t normally win big handicaps like that. The last day here he hung and Shane (Foley) pulled him up. His eye was completely closed over and he must have got a sting or something like that.”
The Moone trainer was also successful at Down Royal this evening with Mighty Meggsie
