Those that backed Mystic Desir from as big as 5/2 in a place this morning into 6/4 favouritism were sickened to the core when their runner was dramatically cut down close home by Lyreen Legend in the opener at Naas, the Frank McGlynn Maiden Hurdle.
The slick jumping Mystic Desir did everything right through the two miles but he started to 'paddle' when clear on the run-in and Lyreen Legend under Bryan Cooper stayed on much the better to score.
Dessie Hughes saddled Lyreen Legend, sporting the familiar Lyreen Syndicate silks and he said: "He might be a nice horse. I thought he'd need the run to be honest as most of mine coming back have been needing the run.
"I know it wasn't a good race but he was impressive and he might be good enough for some of the better novice races.
"He is by a French sire (Saint Des Saints) and most of his love the soft ground (Quito De La Roque, Quel Esprit, St Devote etc, etc).
"He ran quite well in his two starts – he was only ninth in the Land Rover bumper but he ran well. He's come on since and he is only four." (EM)
