Amanha causes mild upset to win on hurdling debut

In a race where only two appeared to count in the betting and only three ever got involved with any meaningful chance, it was the Dermot McLoughlin trained Amanha who came home in front in Division l of the Curragh To Curragh Cycle Maiden Hurdle.

Hastag Pretender(5/2) made much of the early running, chased by odds-on favourite Caman Eileen (8/15f). Amanha tracked the pace back in third with a gap to the remainder.

By halfway the race only concerned the latter trio, with Alex Harvey setting the pace on Hastag Pretender. Market leader Caman Eileen was the first to weaken, coming under pressure approaching three out.

Amanha went in pursuit of Hastag Pretender on the run to the penultimate flight as Caman Eileen dropped right out of contention.

Leading at the final flight, Paddy O'Hanlon stretched clear on Amanha for an easy five length win.

Dermot McLoughlin: “She settled well today, travelled and jumped. The conditions of the race suited her as well getting a bit of weight off some of them.

“She was keen in bumpers and probably overraced a bit. Once she settled today she was able to finish out the race well. Maybe the hood helped today as well.

“I’m delighted for the lads (Wild Geese Syndicate) as she was placed so many times trying to win a bumper and I’m glad that worked out.

“She’ll probably go for a mares’ novice now.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.