Barrier Trial winner scores easily on debut

Dundalk Barrier Trial winner Pennine Hills scored impressively on debut today at Fairyhouse, landing the Yeomanstown Stud Dark Angel EBF Fillies Maiden for trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey Declan McDonogh.

A sister, by Kodiac, to a Canadian Group 3 winner, Pennine Hills today made all and at the line beat Ballydoyle's promising newcomer Concert Hal, by Dubawi, by two and a half lengths.

Trainer Joseph O'Brien wasn't present and afterwards his representative Brendan Powell stated “Dec (McDonogh) said she was still a bit green in front and would improve a lot.

“I loved the way she put her head down and really lengthened. You don’t know what the race is going to turn out like but I think she might be smart. She couldn’t have done any more than she did.

“I know she won her Barrier Trial but it’s her first time on grass and making all. He said she hit the gates so well and was able to get across onto the rail.

“She’s a lovely relaxed filly and doesn’t have to do it that way. It’s just the way it worked out and she was very professional.”

Quotes from Alan Magee