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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Masterson prevails as Hardback crashes out

Thu 7th Sep 2017, 18:24

Hardback crashes out at the last, leaving the grey Masterson to come home an easy winnerHardback crashes out at the last, leaving the grey Masterson to come home an easy winner
© Photo Healy Racing

There was a dramatic conclusion to the New Inn Opportunity Rated Novice Hurdle, with the Gordon Elliott trained Masterson coming home in front.

The 5/2 joint-favourite Hardback JJ Slevin aboard for Joseph O'Brien, and the winner were battling it out from the second last, and it was still very much all to play for when the former crashed out at the final flight.

This left Masterson in clear lead under Chris Meehan, and came home eight lengths to the good, with Vinnie Luck (20s this morning and from 6s to 4s on-course) in second under Barry John Foley for Mick Winters.

The other joint-favourite was Ten Theatre and she was fourth under Paddy Kennedy for Jessica Harrington.

A six time winner on the level for Mick Channon, the grey victor was bought for 15,000 pounds at Tattersalls in June, and he was second on his first two starts for Elliott at Ballinrobe and Downpatrick respectively.

He was as short as 5/2 in early betting shows, but proved friendless with punters, opening on-course at 5s before going off an 8/1 chance.

5.55
New Inn Opportunity Rated Novice H'dle €12,000.00 2m 3f 180yds
1st
Masterson (IRE) 
8/1
Tote €5.40 €1.90
2nd
8L
Vinnie Luck (IRE) 
4/1
€2.00
3rd
4.5L
Naturally Blond (IRE) 
16/1
4th
9.5L
Ten Theatre (IRE) 
5/2JFav
bf
Hardback (IRE) 
5/2JFav
Full Result
Ireland Jockeys Trainers Michael Winters Joseph O'Brien Jessica Harrington Chris Meehan Gordon Elliott
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.
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