Hidden Land (Luke McAteer) beating Matilda With Me © Photo Healy Racing
Hidden Land added to a maiden hurdle win at Downpatrick last summer when taking division one of the DundalkStadium.com Handicap in great style.
The Andrew Kinirons-trained mare came here off the back of a solid run over course and distance a fortnight ago when runner-up to French Company and was again prominent throughout.
The 13/2 chance led entering the straight and, after asserting over a furlong out, kept on really well under Luke McAteer to score by three-and-three-quarter lengths. Matilda With Me stayed on best of the remainder with a further gap of five lengths back to Arctic Blaze in third.
Kinirons said, “She's a different filly now. She had a break and actually ran better than the result says at Christmas time when the ground went a bit soft.
“We expected a big run the last day and she was just pipped, she probably needed the run and came on from it there.
“She had a good few runs last year and I think she's strengthened up with a break. She loves racing, she's as tough as anything, and I think she's a different filly this year.
“She has only turned five, she has a lovely pedigree as well so we'll have a bit of fun with her and mix it between the jumps and the Flat.
“Luke gave her a lovely ride and he's actually rode her every time that she's ran well. I think we'll have to keep him on board.
“We've only a couple for the winter but they've all been running nicely. We've got a big bunch of young horses for the Flat and we're looking forward to it.”
(GC & AM)
