Hillsdale does it the hard way under excellent Burke ride Johnny Burke made a flying visit well worthwhile when partnering Hillsdale to make virtually all the running in the BoyleSports, Proud Sponsors Since 2014 Novice Handicap Chase (Listed Race) at Fairyhouse. A dual winner earlier in the season, the Philip Dempsey trained gelding came to grief two out in his hat-trick bid at Navan last time out. Showing no ill effects from that spill, the six-year-old jumped exceptionally well here bar for one mistake at the third last. Leading from flag fall, Hillsdale was briefly headed by Listentillitellyea after that aforementioned obstacle but was back in front before two out. Rallying to pull a couple of lengths clear on the approach to the last, the son of Westerner found plenty on the run-in to beat the staying on Conyers Hill two-and-three-quarter lengths. Philip Dempsey said: “He’s quirky but talented and switching back to two miles seemed to help. That trip will probably suit him for now. “He’s free and wants to get on with things. “He was a very difficult young horse and very hard to break or do anything with. It’s taken him a long time to learn about racing. He’s not the easiest to ride. “We’ll look at Punchestown as it’s the last throw of the dice but it may come a bit quick.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
