A delighted Shane Hassett unsaddles Do Be Doin' with his uncle Martin in the background© Photo Healy Racing
Do Be Doin’ put in a much improved performance to cause a 20/1 surprise in the Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle.
Trained by Martin Hassett for his wife Deirdre, and ridden by their nephew Shane, the Dr Massini gelding didn’t go totally unnoticed in the market and travelled well to lead inside the final half-mile.
A good jump at the last sealed the issue as the six-year-old galloped on strongly to beat 7/2 favourite Sarah Battle by half a length. Oscar Sam was five lengths further back in third, with Rue Hill completing the placings in fourth.
Martin Hassett said, “It’s a 0-95 handicap and we’re not getting carried away but we knew he had a shout as Shane was reasonably confident. He hasn’t been simple to train but has turned inside out recently.
“He should have a chance of winning another handicap but today’s race was the worse form of a handicap you could get. My horses are after turning a corner and I’m looking forward to the next 12 months with them.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
