Backward Break turns a corner

Give Me A Break stepped up on her five previous runs over hurdles to record a 12/1 surprise in division one of the Ryans Cleaning Event Specialists Handicap Hurdle.

Completing a quick double for owner JP McManus, who was successful in the opener with Cillian’s Return, the Scorpion mare was produced by Adrian Heskin to lead early in the straight.

She found plenty when asked to go clear on the run-in and had seven lengths to spare over Bye Bye O Bye at the line. Wells China was just over a length further back in third, with Ittimetogo in fourth.

Winning trainer Michael Hourigan said, “She had been very disappointing but the fine weather helped her turn the corner. She was a big, round mare when I got her and was one of those big, backward types that took time. She will probably get a slap for winning it but it was a bad race.”

The Patrickswell was also full of praise for the rider saying, “Adrian has come a long way and has improved a sight in the last six months.”

(TW & AM)