Delighted Austin finds the Route to success

Routes Delight had failed to trouble the judge in six previous outings but the six-year-old mare but that right in no uncertain manner when recording a 33/1 shock in division one of the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

Trained by Willie Austin for his niece Louise, the daughter of Dushyantor was never far from the pace and struck for home early in the straight.

David Splaine’s mount kept on well after a mistake two out, and had nearly four lengths to spare over Supreme Vic at the line. Desert Roe was a length further back in third with top-weight Swantykay completing the placings in fourth, while the 11/4 favourite Drive The Bus dropped out tamely in the straight and was virtually pulled up on the run-in.

Austin said, “She had been working a lot better than she ran the last day (pulled up at Wexford last month). She had her wind done since last year and that might have helped her.”

The Stewards requested a report from W.J.Austin, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Routes Delight, winner, as compared with its most recent run at Wexford on 18th June, where she was pulled up. The trainer reported that his charge may have resented the first time application of a tongue strap at Wexford. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted it's contents.