Bright Tomorrow and Robbie Power© Photo Healy Racing
The Jessica Harrington trained Bright Tomorrow benefitted from a dispensation from the Stewards to be allowed contest, and eventually win, the opening Royal Ascot Extra Places At 188BET Maiden Hurdle at Wexford today, landing a gamble in the process.
The son of Robin Des Pres was a non-runner at Roscommon yesterday due to the change in going, but lined up for action in the opener today, and under a persuasive ride from Robbie Power, eventually wore down his rivals before beating Cradle Mountain
The winner had been backed from 3/1 this morning in to even money at the off and following the win, Grand National winning jockey Power stated “he did it well but things didn't go according to plan throughout the race - I was a bit further back than I wanted to be, but it actually suited him.
“The more trouble I got into the better he travelled, and when I got a split turning-in he went into it very quick. He has plenty of ability and he is just getting the hang of hurdles now.
"He can be very lazy at home and the more bumps he got today, the more alive he became underneath me. It wasn't the plan but it worked out well.
"He will stay three miles no problem at all, but I don't see any reason to go any further this season."
Rule 194 (vii) (b) reads: “Where a horse is withdrawn due to “ground conditions”, a fine of €200 shall be imposed on the trainer and the horse shall not be permitted to run in any race for 2 days, commencing on the day following the race meeting, unless permission for the withdrawal is granted by the Stewards.”
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy
