Darkened gains first hurdles win for trainer/rider Hogan

The first division of the Mahon Hospitality Group New York Handicap Hurdle resulted in success for trainer/rider Denis Hogan with the 13/2 chance Darkened

The Dark Angel gelding, a winner on the Flat at last year’s Galway Festival, was patiently ridden before being produced to challenge Withallduerespect (5/1) at the last.

He had a bit of a barging match with the latter on the short run-in, but found enough to score by half a length from the staying-on Broken Ice (4/1 jt fav), as Withallduerespect was relegated to third in the end.

On his previous hurdles outing, the 5-year-old had finished fourth in a race at Tramore that has produced several winners and he was getting off the mark at the seventh attempt in this sphere.

Hogan said: “I was about to go for him turning in put decided to take my chances and not go for my stick until I had to.

“He loved the ground here and they went a right gallop.

“We weren’t sure if he’d make a jumper as he was a seven-furlong and a mile horse on the Flat and as a four-year-old it looked like he wasn’t getting home but he’s stronger now.

“This sharp track suits him and he’ll keep mixing it with the Flat.

“It’s great to have a winner for Justin (Carthy, owner) as he’s been a great supporter of mine. He leaves it to me and it’s a pleasure to get one for him.”

Quotes from Alan Magee