Holding Pattern jumps the last with Timetoget on her outside and Awayinthewest on her inner© Photo Healy Racing
Holding Pattern rounded off a memorable evening at Punchestown for Jessica Harrington, as she took the Punchestown For Events Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Earlier successful with Light That and Conron Harrington was completing a treble (which came in at just over 942/1) with this daughter of Teofilo.
Successful on good to yielding on debut at Thurles last October, the Orla O'Connor owned victor failed to follow-up on her next three starts.
Back on quick ground today, and having her first start over flights, she was sent off a well-backed 9/4 chance (from 11/4) with Robbie Power (completing a double) in the saddle.
Settled behind the leaders, she improved into second from two out, and disputed the lead before the last.
She was ridden to front on the run-in, keeping on well in the closing stages to prevail by a length and a quarter.
The 10/11 favourite Awayinthewest had to settle for second under David Mullins for Pat Fahy, with 50/1 chance Timetoget also trained by Harrington, another length back in third.
"She just got bogged down in bad ground since she won her bumper,"; said Harrington.
"It's nice to go and win her hurdle race there. We'll have a lot of fun with her during the summer and Robbie said she's got plenty of speed.
"We might run her on the Flat in a mile-and-a-half maiden. I have to speak to the owner yet though.
"It's been a great evening and I can relax now as I've no more runners."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Impulsive Leader trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her saddle slipped in running.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
