Crowns Major and Brian Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
A bumper winner on debut at Punchestown in April, and very useful on the Flat since, Crowns Major had his second start in the National Hunt sphere in the Paddy’s Super Enhancements Maiden Hurdle at Cork. He passed with flying colours for Emmet Mullins and Brian Hayes.
Back on track and strongly fancied to do so (11/10 favourite), Crowns Major left behind a Newmarket Listed race under-performance from last time, to triumph at the first time of asking over jumps. Mosala came down two out but Crowns Major may well have been getting the best of things in any case, and the Japanese-bred went on to beat Figurehead by seven lengths.
"I was a bit worried about the ground but that is a great start. It wasn't his Derby today and I told Brian (Hayes) to teach him as much as he could. He jumps well and had schooled well at home and came through nicely. He was a bit green in front going to the last but hopefully there is plenty more in the tank," said Mullins.
"He was rated 96 on the flat, jumps well and will get an entry for the Royal Bond. Being as slick as he is (over hurdles) is a huge asset to have with that pace and he is exciting."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Calcite trained by Patrick G.Kelly was found to have blood at both nostrils post race.
At the request of the Stewards, C.A. Landers, rider of Happy Dreams (FR), trained by Michael J. McDonagh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran free and hung right throughout.
At the request of the Stewards, M. Hamill, rider of Heliko Conti (FR), trained by W.J. Burke, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made jumping errors early on and stayed on in the closing stages.
(TW & EM)
