Penneys Hun made a winning hurdles debut at Tramore today when landing some market support to win the Calor Gas Maiden Hurdle for trainer John Halley and jockey Rachael Blackmore.

The son of Arakan could manage no better than fifth, twice, in three previous bumper runs but was today backed from 16/1 this morning and from 11/1 on track in to 9/1 at the off. Blackmore, partnering her 14th winner of an already successful season, produced the gelding to lead after the second last and in the end the pair skipped clear for a seven and a half lengths win over Skeaping

Halley, the in-house vet at Aidan O’Brien’s all-conquering Ballydoyle yard, wasn’t present but Blackmore later commented “it was a good performance from him and he did it well. He had a lovely run in a bumper the last day and he improved a lot from that today. He is a lovely horse, and I'm very good friends with the Halleys so I'm delighted to ride a winner for them."

Halley was recording his first winner since Hanover Street won at the same venue in June 2016.

Quotes from Donal Murphy