Dysios, right, holds the lead ahead of Leah Claire in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
There may have only been nine runners in the two mile rated hurdle in Leopardstown, but all held chances coming to the second last. However, it was Dysios who came out on top for Denis Cullen and Barry Geraghty.
A good jump at the last enabled 8/1 shot Dysios to fend off Leah Claire (7/2) who couldn’t quite reel him in and was two lengths down at the line. Star Of Aragon came in third at 14/1. The 11/8 favourite Inis Meain ploughed through a couple of hurdles in finishing fourth. He was well supported on course from 2/1.
Denis Cullen said: “We are absolutely over the moon. He’s a horse we always thought a lot of. We were delighted to get Barry Geraghty on board. He travelled great and he jumped well.
“I thought he had a good chance, but I would have preferred to have run him on Thursday’s ground as I thought it was better. Barry says he probably doesn’t want it as heavy as that.
“He might get an entry in the Pierse Hurdle [Boylesports.com Hurdle]. Ideally we want to go chasing with him later. He schooled over fences and jumps well.
“We just have to bite the bullet at some stage and decide to go over the bigger ones. I think he’ll make a smashing chaser in time.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
