Hugh Horgan in the drive position aboard Parana Delta© Photo Healy Racing
Hugh Horgan got his fractions spot on as 33/1 Parana Delta saw off the closers in the finale at Leopardstown.
This was another race on the card run at a sedate early pace and Horgan sent his mount on after a furlong and a half of the mile trip. Bataan raced close to her, but the margin increased in the final two furlongs. Then when Bataan weakened into the field, Parana Delta was able to strike for home over a furlong out.
Horgan availed of the rail and his partner toughed it out as Quick Blessing attempted to wear her down in the closing stages.
Quick Blessing ran out of road and went down by half a length at 18/1. Mobilise was another horse to make late gains in third at 20/1.
Joseph O'Brien said: “I thought Hugh gave her a great ride. He went and controlled the race from the front, we hadn't intended on doing that but he noticed that the pace was slow and went and used his initiative.
“The filly is very genuine and she loved the quick ground on the grass today, it's her first time getting those conditions and she's thrived on it.
“The cheekpieces helped her get a better position as she has been a bit sluggish early in her races.
“She'll go for another three-year-old handicap somewhere over that trip.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
