Darkened © Photo Healy Racing
There was only a 5lb differential top to bottom in the Easyfix Handicap Hurdle and one of those who carried joint top-weight of 12 stone, Darkened emerged victorious at odds of 12/1.
Trainer/rider Denis Hogan sat mid-division on the five-year-old who has been in good form under both codes this year. Darkened improved on the outer racing down to the second-last and took a narrow lead soon after jumping that flight. Listentillitillyea, who had the rail to help, went with Hogan’s mount as they turned for home and the two had a great tussle to the line with a nose the margin of victory. Insane Bolt and Golf Marin both made good headway from off the pace to complete the frame.
This was a fifth career win for Darkened who held on for victory despite Hogan dropping his whip early on the run-in.
Hogan said: "There was a wall of horses, 10 abreast, lining up at the start and I was the tenth. We flew to the first but pulled it right up down the hill and hacked, which suited me as he is a miler on the flat.
"I was happy to commit sooner than normal off a slow gallop as I knew he'd have the gears to kick off a slow gallop.
"When we bought him we were very disappointed with him as he didn't take to jumping but we ride him on the outside as he loves a bit of space. I rode him a canter this morning going steady and he jinked and jammed on, which confirmed that I should keep him away from horses.
"I can't knock him this year as he hasn't been out of the first three most days and he could run over 1m4f later in the week."
He added "I don't know if people noticed or not but my stick went flying and I got away without it. I don't mind saying it nowadays as I'm not looking for rides! It shouldn't happen though - I was a bit rusty."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
