Dempseys on the mark with Routes Choice After finishing an eye-catching third at Clonmel on her last start, Routes Choice went two places better today as she took the Frank Hogan Mercedes-Benz Mares Maiden Hurdle for the father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey. As short as 15/8 last night, the daughter of King's Theatre proved easy to back today as she went off a 7/2 chance. Settled in second she improved to lead after three out and went a few lengths clear from the next. She was ridden before the last and kept on well under pressure to see off Danali by three and three parts of a length. The runner-up, who made a mistake at the last, was returned a 6/1 chance (from 8's on-course) under Adrian Heskin for John Joe Walsh. Midnight Theatre, who attempted to make all, was sent off the even money favourite and she finished a disappointing fifth, fading tamely after she was headed three out. Philip Dempsey said afterwards: "She had a nice run the last day when she came home well and the extra trip suited today. "The ground is testing enough and she'll be a nice mare to go chasing next year. "I'll keep her to mares' company and we'll go for a winners' of one in a month's time." The winner is owned by Dubai based teacher Louise Austin, a niece of trainer Willie Austin. STEWARDS REPORTS * A.E. Lynch, rider of Born In Killeen trained by Ms Claire O'Connell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground. * The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Midnight Theatre, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost a front shoe but was otherwise post race normal. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
