Darasso puts in a great leap for Barry Geraghty© Photo Healy Racing
Darasso gave Joseph O'Brien a quick-fire double in Gowran Park when landing the Grade Three Red Mills Trial Hurdle in good style.
This was the French bred's first victory on Irish soil after a more than useful career in his home country where he clocked up four successes - two over hurdles (in Listed company) and a couple of chases.
He was nudged along by Barry Geraghty to take closer order in pursuit of Forge Meadow after the third last in this two mile race.
The six-year-old then challenged Forge Meadow at the next flight and soon hit the front.
The 2/1 joint favourite moved clear of Forge Meadow at the last and wasn't extended in scoring by a healthy 11 lengths.
Forge Meadow could give no more in second at 13/2.
“He ran well enough here the last day in a good race (when fifth in the Galmoy Hurdle) but I'd say coming back in trip was a help to him and he likes soft ground,” said Joseph O'Brien.
“Barry gave him a good ride, he kept him in the race without forcing him too much.
“I guess we'll stick to these kind of graded races as he's too high really for handicaps.
“He could have a shot at a Grade One later in the year. These are probably the races for him and we'll be sticking to soft ground as much as we can with him.” Coeur Sublime the other 2/1 joint favourite, couldn't go with the front pair from two out and came home fourth, while Farclas weakened out of contention after the third last and finished well behind in fifth.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
