Sole Pretender and Paul Townend jump the last ahead of Darasso © Photo Healy Racing
The 5/4 favourite Sole Pretender landed the featured Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle (Grade 3) to take his tally to six wins from nine starts over hurdles.
Very few got into the race as Effernock Fizz and the winner disputed up front, tracked by Darasso with the rest of the field well off the pace.
Paul Townend, back in action for the first time since the Punchestown Festival having given his foot injury time to heal, kept his mount wide of Effernock Fizz who cried enough after three out and it was Darasso (10/3) who gave chase from that point.
Hard though he tried, the hooded Sole Pretender had enough in reserve to see off that one’s challenge by two lengths, with Modus (33/1) a distant third.
Winning trainer Norman Lee, based near Gort Co.Galway, said: “To win our first Graded race is unreal and we are lucky to even have a horse to contest one, never mind win one. He is a credit to his owner and the lads at home.
"We thought he might be a little short today but every time we think that, he is still good enough and is always there. Paul gave him a great ride and went on the outer for the better ground.
"He has a high enough rating and while he didn't win by a lot, we will stay in graded company and think about a Galway Hurdle (fifth in the 2019 renewal). He shouldn't go up.
"We have a dozen horses in at home, he is our stable star and I don't think three miles worked at Grade 1 level the last day. Eventually next year we'll go for a Grade 1 race again but maybe he is a horse who will win Grade 2s and 3s but we'll keep dreaming with him.
"We are over the moon with him and Michael (Hogan, winning owner) is very important to him as horses like him are usually in big yards. We'll treat him like the star he is for us."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
