William Of Wykeham and Philip Enright (red cap) win from Futurum Regem© Photo Healy Racing
Strandhill, Co. Sligo trainer Mark McNiff was on the mark in the Michael Cawe Suspended Ceilings (C & G) Maiden Hurdle with 14/1 chance William Of Wykeham. Scalino was out in a clear lead for much of the contest, but he was collared after the second-last and on the run to the final flight only two had a chance, with Phillip Enright’s mount travelling better than Futurum Regem
The Arcano gelding went clear in the final furlong to win by a comfortable five and a half lengths. The 6/4 favourite Hardy Man was pulled up.
The winner, bred by Ballymacoll Stud, had one unplaced run for Sir Michael Stoute, before being bought for £16,000 by his present handler in 2017.
He’d run a couple of respectable races at Fairyhouse since then, but has been difficult to keep right.
Winning trainer Mark McNiff said: "He had a good run as a three-year-old and then a few things went wrong with him.
“He was coming right then again but had more issues.
“As a half-brother to Golan (2,000 Guineas winner and Epsom Derby runner-up) and Tartan Bearer (also second at Epsom) he wasn’t bred to be winning a two mile six hurdle at Ballinrobe but we’ll take it.”
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
