Blackmore steers Havingagoodtime to 25/1 surprise win

Rachael Blackmore pegged back a winner on Jockeys' Championship leader Paul Townend at Fairyhouse today as she steered 25/1 chance Havingagoodtime to a surprise win in the BoyleSports App 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.

The Willie Mullins trained, J.P. McManus owned Farid was installed the even-money favourite early-doors but his price was smashed throughout the day and was eventually returned the 30/100 favourite. In the race Farid travelled well but found very little once Havingagoodtime swept past before the final flight with the winner going on to beat Bachelor by four and a half lengths, with Farid fading tamely in third.

Havingagoodtime's awful flat form from February to August 2018 saw the daughter of Mount Nelson finish the term with a rating of just 35 and following today's race, her third start over hurdles, De Bromhead stated “I'd love to tell you that I thought that was going to happen but it was a bit of a surprise.

“She ran very well the last day and also ran well in Gowran where she didn't jump a hurdle.

“She's a big raw filly that we bought as a yearling and I'm delighted for the Wilde At Heart Syndicate who leased her.

“I thought her last run was good but when you see a 3/10 shot we would have been very happy to be placed.

“She got a super ride. She was up there the whole way and saw it out well from the last.

“We'll go back on the Flat with her next summer, we were always going to do that. There were just very few staying races for three-year-olds. She'll focus on hurdling at the moment and she seems to love it.”

The win moves Blackmore to 65 wins this season, two behind leader Townend.

Quotes from Gary Carson