Getaway Glenda (green) and Darragh O'Keeffe come through to beat Sani Pass (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Getaway Glenda was a shock 66/1 winner of the Sobac Soil.ie Mares’ Maiden Hurdle in the hands of replacement rider Darragh O’Keeffe.
Sean Flanagan didn’t take up his rides at the meeting after a fall at Cork on Friday evening, and missed a winner here as O’Keeffe produced his mare to lead after the last and beat long-time leader Sani Pass by a length.
The 6/4 favourite Escort’namix still had a chance when getting the last wrong, and she could only keep on at one pace in third.
There was nothing in the winner’s previous runs in point-to-points and two starts over hurdles to suggest this victory was on the cards, but she found the required improvement to win cosily.
Winning trainer Denise O'Shea said: "It was surprise. She is a nice mare and worked like a nice mare at home but I just thought she wasn't experienced enough.
She is not overly big and it's great for her owner (Gerard O'Leary). We've been friends since we were kids and I had I Keano for him as well.
Unfortunately we lost I Keano after he broke his shoulder at Kilbeggan but it's great that we've had another winner together now.
"It's unfortunate for Sean (Flanagan) who had a fall at Cork yesterday. Darragh (O'Keeffe) is a great lad and I'm delighted to be able to provide him with a winner."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
