Hidden Land and Luke Dempsey jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
Hidden Land sprang a 50/1 shock when running out a convincing winner on her hurdling debut at Downpatrick today.
The Andrew Kinirons-trained filly was friendless first time over jumps having traded at 14/1 this morning.
She defied that market weakness, however, in some style. The Hard Spun filly proved a handful early on, in the mares maiden over two-mile-two, and pulled her way to the front with over a circuit to run.
Luke Dempsey 's mount had her rivals at work down to the last flight though and quickened away well on the run-in to record a seven-length win.
4/5 favourite Robyndeglory had to settle for another runner-up spot.
Hidden Land had been outclassed in Group 2 company on the Flat at the Curragh late last month. She had been placed twice in handicap company on the level.
Kinirons said afterwards: "She has probably been schooling since February. She has been competitive on the Flat, she was only beaten a short head in a big field at Leopardstown.
“She was running well on the Flat so we kept there but she has been schooling in between and Luke has done a great job with her.
"She can be keen. I stuck a tongue-tie on her today not because of her wind but because I thought she was getting her tongue over the bit. I thought it might help but I don't know if it did as she was so keen. She was impressive and I was delighted with her.
"We fancied her as much as you can on first run over hurdles. We have a little double going on with the filly in Killarney later on (Mary Salome) so hopefully it comes off.
"She was probably overpriced if you look at her form. Luke must have schooled her 10 times at home so that was a big advantage.
"Luke is a talented rider and he gave her a lovely ride. I think she could be a nice filly once she has a few runs over hurdles as she might settle.
“Maybe a tight track suits her as well. We could have a little bit of fun with her and we will probably go to Galway.
"I'm delighted for the owner, Peter Byrne, he's from the north of Ireland and he lives in England now.
"It's the first winner over jumps in my name. We'll Go Again was second the other day in a maiden hurdle and they are our only two jumpers.
“We have about 20 horses and the rest of them are all on the Flat, some are dual purpose. We are open for more jumpers, we have a good strike rate over jumps now!"
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
