Immortal Bridge (far side) just pips Caerleon Kate© Photo Healy Racing
Immortal Bridge completed a truly mixed across the card double for Joseph O’Brien when coming out best in a thrilling finish to the Eire Og GAC Fundraiser Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.
The Piltown trainer had sent out Lynn’s Memory to score on the Flat at Bath just five minutes earlier, and a nose was the official winning margin as the J P McManus-owned gelding brought up a quick 62/1 double.
The 8/1 chance was strongly pressed by Caerleon Kate at the final flight, and the pair drew clear as they battled it out in the straight.
Mark Walsh ’s mount was confirmed the winner following close examination by the judge, while Polymath finished 11 lengths adrift in third.
The task was eased somewhat as Major Destination (5/1) was soon pulled up after stumbling at the first flight, and 11/8 favourite Harold Peto slipped up just after the same hurdle a circuit later.
Immortal Bridge won a Navan maiden last year when trained by Joseph O’Brien’s father Aidan, and showed some promise on his debut over hurdles at Punchestown last month.
Walsh said, "He learned a lot the last day. Joseph and myself said we would pop him away good and smart.
"I didn't think he had got there but his head was down at the right time. He'll probably go handicapping now."
(MG & AM)
