High Definition and J J Slevin lead them home© Photo Healy Racing
The jumping debut of High Definition was much anticipated, and beginning for Joseph O’Brien he delivered despite market weakness — 3/1 out to 9/2 — in the All About Sunday Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
From the front the formerly very smart Flat performer saw his odds for the Supreme Novices Hurdle contract from 25/1 into 20/1 with Paddy Power, as a result of a dismissing Jetara (15/2 into 9/2) and Parmenion (4/5) by four and a quarter lengths and a length and a quarter.
“It was a nice start over hurdles for him. On the whole he put up a good enough round of jumping. He was a bit green at a couple and having to make the running on his first run over hurdles wasn’t ideal. He went particularly right at one in the back,” said Joseph O’Brien on the J J Slevin ridden victor.
“There seemed to be plenty of well fancied horses in the race. The second was a very good filly in bumpers and Willie’s was well fancied in third.
“We’ve had him since October. The plan was to come here for a maiden and we were happy with his schooling at home.
“He was a high class Flat horse so you would be hoping he can make it into Graded company over hurdles. Obviously we would be looking at Cheltenham but he would have to run somewhere between now and then.
“We’ll see how he is after this and speak with the owners before making a plan. The Dublin Racing Festival is an option but whether we want to go straight into that class or take baby steps we’ll have to see.”
M.J.M O'Sullivan, rider of Gentleman Joe (GB) trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Stuzzikini ridden by N.R. Andrews, and trained by Gordon Elliott. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. N.R. Andrews, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount three quarters way back to get the horse jumping and to do the best he could. He concluded by saying that his inexperience was a factor in how he rode his race. Gordon Elliot confirmed the instructions given and stated that the horse was bought to give the young riders in the yard some experience. He further stated that this was the riders first ride and that he would improve for todays experience. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Stuzzikini was post race normal and samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered and took no further action other than to advise Nathan Andrews to familiarise himself with Rule 212 and to be seen to make more of an effort in future.
(AM & EM)
