Capilano Bridge and Ricky Doyle © Photo Healy Racing
Capilano Bridge (4/6 fav) was another successful odds-on chance when making all in the Holycross Maiden Hurdle under Ricky Doyle.
Although covering extra ground by jumping out to his left, he was in command racing down the home straight and at the line had five and a half lengths to spare over second home The Cathal Don (5/2) with the pair well clear of the field.
The Stowaway gelding, runner-up at Naas last December after getting into a barging match with winner Rightplacerightime, had been third last time out at Wexford and was getting off the mark on his seventh start over hurdles.
Winning trainer Conor O’Dwyer said: “That was super and I couldn't believe my luck as at the entry stage Willie (Mullins) had 140-rated Ciel De Neige in and I couldn't believe the way the race cut up. However none of these races are easy.
"I don't know what that was about jumping to his left, but maybe he was idling in front.
“He tends to go a little left at times, but that was as bad as he’s been today for some reason and, on a tight track like this, you are giving away a lot of ground. He had to go out there and do it on his own.
“He is a lovely big galloping horse and loves to get into a rhythm and his best run was going left-handed at Naas last season.
"He'd be better with a lead and is bred to stay further. He’s closely related to Imperial Commander and we trained his half-brother El Vasco who was a staying type.
"He’s a very athletic horse and chasing will be his game although we'll stay hurdling this season and maybe look for a handicap next.
"I'm delighted for his owner Hugo Kane who is a great supporter of ours."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
