Secrets Safe with happy connections© Photo Healy Racing
Secrets Safe continued the recent good run of form for trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon, as he took the Britain v Ireland (QR) Challenge Handicap Hurdle under Jodie Hughes.
Formerly trained on the level in the UK by David Brown, the four-year-old son of Arcano had his first run of Hanlon last July.
He finished second his first two starts over flights, but had been disappointing of late, and went off a 20/1 chance this afternoon.
Settled in second by Hughes, he improved to lead from four out and was pushed along entering the straight.
The bay gelding kept up the gallop under pressure, going on to score comfortably by four and a half lengths. Willow Grange finished second under Tom Brett for John Ryan at 12/1, while Dr Waluigi was half a length back in third under Steven Clements for Eoin Doyle at 5/1 (from 8's). Sea Scorpion who was sent off the 4/1 favourite, unseated Lisa O'Neill at the second last, when still in with every chance in second.
Hanlon said afterwards: "He rejected the blinkers and tongue-tie the last day and decided to leave them off him today and I'd say it was the difference between winning and losing.
"All my horses are running well at present and we had a good winner in England yesterday (Linger)."
Jodie Hughes added: "I have ridden here about ten years ago but hadn't much luck and was only hopeful more than confident coming here today.
"He travelled well, jumped well and that's my 63rd winner to date, including point-to-point's but my first winner in Ireland. I'm based with Peter Bowen in west Wales."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
