Denwork and Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
There was a second winner on the day at Down Royal for Gigginstown House Stud when the Joseph O'Brien-trained Denwork (11/2) triumphed in the Cash Out On Horse Racing Multiples At BetVictor Rated Novice Hurdle.
Gigginstown also had Invincible Cave (6s into 9/2) in the mix but he could manage only sixth as Denwork did it well from the front.
With first-time cheek-pieces, Denwork, a grey son of Network, asserted from before the last under Rachael Blackmore and he disposed of the challenge of Count Simon by six and a half lengths.
"Joseph put on the cheek-pieces today and I think they helped him a lot" said Blackmore.
"Out in front too he was doing his own thing - he's been there or thereabouts so it's great to get one with him.
"He had a nice run the last day in Navan over two seven. The drop back in trip today maybe helped him a little bit.
"Joseph's horses are in fantastic order and it's great to get the leg-up on one.
"I'd say he'll be fine to step back up in trip. I'm sure Jospeh will put him in the right race anyway and I'd say he's versatile enough.
"The fact that he's got his head in front now should build his confidence. The form was there and one of these was ever only going to be around the corner.
"Gigginstown in particular have been so supportive of me and it's really great (75th winner of the season, 5 off leader Paul Townend)."
Gigginstown struck in race one as well, with the Gordon Elliott-trained Monatomic
P. Townend, rider of Eclat Des Mottes (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
H. Morgan, rider of Presented Well trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a mistake and never travelled thereafter.
Owing to low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for the second last (Hurdle 2) and the third last (Hurdle 3) to be omitted from this race.
(MG & EM)
