Party one for the layers in Mayo Well-backed when landing a modest maiden hurdle at Thurles 54 days ago, Hunting Party took the rise in class in his stride to spring a 12/1 surprise in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Hurdle at Ballinrobe. Racing on a much slower surface here proved to be no hindrance to the Mark Enright-ridden City Honours gelding. In truth though, he looked like he'd have to yield to the sweeping challenge down the outer of Perfect Gentleman (Patrick Mullins up) from before the final hurdle. The Dessie Hughes-trained victor fought tenaciously up the run-in, to defend his lead. He did so at the line by head. The pair left the favourite, Band Of Blood (every chance from two out after a mistake at the previous flight) sixteen lengths behind in third. A lively one in the market earlier in the day, Kilcarry Bridge, didn't show his true form and faded after making the running to before two out. He eventually came home a tailed off last of the six whilst well-fancied four to one shot Kates Benefit eventually pulled up before the last. Dessie Hughes said of Hunting Party: "He's a progressive horse and he could be a real nice one. "We were going to send him straight over fences as we didn't think he'd be quick enough for a winners hurdle. "He'll have a break now before going chasing later." The Osborne Lodge handler also had Mackeys Forge (5th) compete here and of that grey he remarked:"He's had plenty of chances and he is what he is." (TW & EM)
