Hurricane blows away the favourite The Jessica Harrington trained Hurricane Ridge took the opener at Killarney this evening, the Tote Jackpot 3yo Maiden Hurdle, on his first start over hurdles. The entire son of Hurricane Run was sent off at 5/1 having been backed from his opening show of 7/1 with Paddy Powers this morning. Having chased the leaders in the early stages he was fifth halfway before closing into third three out. He was ridden to challenge at the second last and hit the front before final flight (where he made a slight mistake) keeping on well from there to score by a length. The 4/5 favourite Everything Zain improved to lead at the third last under Bryan Cooper but had no answer to the winner when he was passed before the last. The Dessie Hughes trained gelding had to settle for second yet again while Habesh finished seven and a half lengths back in third for Eugene O'Sullivan at 8/1 with Pat Kennedy aboard. The Lakeside Racing Syndicate owned victor, won on his debut here last August over seven furlongs but failed to follow up on that success in six more attempts on the level. Winning rider Robbie Power said afterwards: "He is a nice horse and he won his maiden here as a 2yo. "He's been schooling well at home and since his first morning schooling he has really enjoyed it. "The ground is grand, it's just a bit dead and tacky." (On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
