Abernethy seen to good effect on Lusis Naturea

Cormac Abernethy partnered his second winner as Lusis Naturea swooped late to land a dramatic Stackallan Handicap Hurdle at Navan. Baltinglass Hill looked set to cause a 40/1 shock when asserting to go four lengths clear at the last.

However, he stumbled badly after a mistake at that flight and Lusis Naturea — a moderate third approaching the last — picked up really well between horses on the run-in.

The 9/2 (from 7/1) chance led inside the final 100 yards to beat the luckless Baltinglass Hill by a length and three quarters. Hattie Amarin the subject of strong support earlier in the day from 12/1 to go off 7/2 favourite, was just a nose back in third. Trenchtown Rock completed the places in fourth.

Amateur rider Abernethy recorded his first winner also for trainer Paul Traynor on Stansfield in a novice chase at Down Royal in February.

Traynor said, “He was getting no run turning in. Last time at Leopardstown he got slightly boxed in and never got rolling. He probably should have been a bit closer that day and I thought it was going to be the same story today.

“Cormac gave him a great ride and thank God it opened up for him. He's had three runs where he has hit nothing but traffic problems.

“Two races Karen (McNeilly, owner) was going to retire him as he's ten year old and he always seems to get a cut on his shin during races, which he has again there.

“He ran a great race on the Flat last time and it's great that he's got his head in front.

“He was a keen wee boy in his early days but now he's settling in his races and running to the line. Hopefully he'll get another wee summer race for him. That big galloping track suited him. We're delighted.”

(GC & AM)