Hasten Slowly and Ben Harvey (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
A four-time winner on the level, Hasten Slowly made the breakthrough on her third try over flights, as she claimed the Bluegrass Horse Feeds Maiden Hurdle.
A runner-up at Wexford last week, the John McConnell-trained bay was sent off a 7/2 chance this evening.
Always close to the pace under Ben Harvey, the daughter of Kessaar improved into a share of the lead after three out.
Gaining a narrow advantage when ridden on the approach to the final flight, she extended her lead on the run-in and came home a length-and-three-quarters to the good.
After attempting to make all, In The Trenches (10/11f from 6/4 early) had to settle for second under Conor Stone Walsh, while there was another length-and-a-quarter back to Dumb Love (13/2) in third.
"It was fairly straightforward. The penny is after dropping with her and everything came together with her jumping and the way she went through the race,” Harvey commented.
"She relaxed well and got into a good rhythm. She hit the line well and got the trip really well. She is a tough little filly and hopefully she can build on this.
"I was a lot more confident coming here today with the Wexford run under her belt. I felt she was just still a bit green in Wexford.
"She's improved and her jumping is really slick. I'm delighted for the owners (the 119 Partnership) and John's horses are flying so it’s brilliant."
