Shark Hanlon 's high opinion of Hidden Cyclone was certainly vindicated after the five-year-old gelding readily justified strong support in division two of the two mile maiden hurdle.
Absent since scoring on his debut in a Gowran Park bumper six months ago, the son of Stowaway was backed at 6/1 this morning before being sent off on track the 100/30 favourite.
Andrew McNamara 's mount was never too far off the leaders, and struck the front at the second last before drawing clear for an impressive seven length verdict over Ordinary Man Original Option weakened in the closing stages to finish the same distance back in third.
“I thought he was a good horse the day he won his bumper, and it takes a fair one to win first time over hurdles. He's the best I've had since Western Leader, who was also by Stowaway. He'll probably go now to Galway, and then hopefully on to Navan for the Barry & Sandra Kelly Hurdle. He's a big striding horse, and I think a faster pace will suit him better,” said Hanlon.
