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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Don Diablo off the mark over hurdles

Mon 3rd May 2021, 14:31

Don Diablo and Jordan Gainford Don Diablo and Jordan Gainford
© Photo Healy Racing

After drawing a blank at the Punchestown Festival, Denise Foster's Cullentra House stable was back amongst the winners when Don Diablo (3/1) landed the BoyleSports Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Never out of the first three in five previous starts, the Flemensfirth 6-year-old led three out and kept on well to see off the challenge of Easca Peasca (5/1) by three and a half lengths.

It was an eventful contest from the outset with 7/4 favourite Que Famoso being one of three horses to lose their riders at the first flight of hurdles.

Winning rider Jordan Gainford said: "His runs were very solid. I got breathers into him and he enjoyed it. He jumped well and did it well, so hopefully he will be a nice horse going forward.

"It was a very messy race but we kept it simple, that was the plan."

Quotes from Michael Graham