Owners Alan and Ann Potts and jockey Andrew Lynch with Juan De Gracia © Photo Healy Racing
Juan De Gracia repaid connections for their patience when landing the opening maiden hurdle on the card at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
The Milan gelding has taken his time coming to hand but everything clicked today as he took the two-mile event under Andrew Lynch.
The 4/1 shot was always prominent and hit the lead after the third last. 4/6 favourite Benemeade looked to be making ground when making a mistake at the second last.
Juan De Gracia also gained a better jump at the final flight and stayed on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half verdict over the hotpot.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained winner had been well-beaten on his debut here last month but showed more promise last time at Clonmel when just fading in the closing stages.
“That was super. He's just taken years. We bought him as a four-year-old at the Derby Sale and I though he'd be ready to rock and roll the next spring but it's taken time,” said de Bromhead.
“In fairness to Alan (Potts) he said to leave him. I had decided last year that he was no good but he came back this year a stronger horse.
“He's ultimately a chaser and it's nice that he's done that.
“It didn't look the greatest maiden hurdle on form. Andrew was pleased with him the last day at Clonmel when he ran well and got a bit tired. We thought he'd improve from that and if he did that he'd have a chance.”
