Debbie Hartnett and her partner, John O'Brien, have been making waves in the point-to-points for the last while courtesy of Tom The Traveller, Mr Dominator and Ashburton Lad and the latter successfully graduated to racing under Rules when taking the Nobber Maiden Hurdle under Richie Harding.
Co. Cork-based restricted licence holder, Hartnett was saddling just her third racecourse runner and despite being a dual point-to-point scorer, Ashburton Lad was allowed go off a 25/1 shot for this two-miler and after proving two lengths superior to favourite, Archiestown he paid a whopping 46.10 on the Tote.
Hartnett said: "I have about five for the track and a few point-to-pointers. That was my third runner and I got my licence at the end of October. This horse won two point-to-points and he was very impressive in his winners race at Dromahane. He is amazing really, I thought he'd need the run a lot more today. We'll keep him to hurdles for the moment as he has a bit of pace." Rick (25s in the morning into 8s) came home really well for third, just a head adrift of Archiestown. (EM)
