Darrens Hope delights Murphy in Ballinrobe

Darrens Hope was produced at the final flight by Denis O'Regan to capture the mares' maiden hurdle in Ballinrobe.

The six-year-old daughter of Oscar tracked Champagne Diva during this contest and challenged her between the last two hurdles.

She took a narrow lead at the last and soon asserted from the tiring runner-up.

The 2/1 joint favourite increased the margin to 11 lengths at the winning post from Champagne Diva at 6/1. The other 2/1 joint favourite, Sovereign Gold couldn't land a blow in third.

“A beginners' chase is what I have in mind for her now, but we just wanted to try and win a maiden hurdle with her first,” said owner/trainer/breeder Bob Murphy.

“I was a small bit worried coming here with the opposition she was facing.

“That was a good run she had in Listowel though, and she should be a good chaser as she’s already won a point-to-point.”

Darrens Hope won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in January but was subsequently disqualified for a prohibited substance.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy