Hidden Land and Johnny Barry © Photo Healy Racing
Hidden Land made it two wins from two visits to Downpatrick when running out a convincing winner of the mares handicap hurdle this evening.
Johnny Barry tracked the leaders on Andrew Kinirons' charge before moving up to challenge two from home on the 10/3 favourite.
The Hard Spun mare went on before the final flight and pulled clear up the hill to record a 13-length success over Trevena
Hidden Land had sprung a 50/1 shock on her last visit to the course, in July 2021, and was recording her third career success having also won on the Flat at Dundalk back in February.
Kinirons said: "She had a great run in Cheltenham (11th in Mares Novice Hurdle) and she didn't have a race at all in Punchestown. It probably left her fresh as she was bucking and squealing after it.
"She loves the track and the owner is actually local originally so it is great for him and he is over so we are delighted.
"Johnny would be a good friend of mine and he does a lot of schooling for me. She was 2lb in as he lost his 5lb claim last night. He's a great rider and a great horse man.
"I was a little bit worried about the rain coming but she seems to love this track. She can be keen and it suits her. Johnny had her settled like a baby. He kept it very simple and he got her rolling down the hill.
"She's a lovely filly and she won well in Dundalk and I think we will have a bit of fun with her. She will jump a fence too.
"We'll tip away and mix it. She's a big filly so we wouldn't be afraid to go over a fence with her. Peter Byrne, the owner, lives in Aintree so that will be the long-term plan, the dream is still alive anyway!
"She has a lovely pedigree and we picked her up for two and a half grand. I think the fun hasn't finished yet."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
