Dumbarton settles into hurdling

Dumbarton put his previous hurdling experience to good use when taking the opening two-mile maiden hurdle at Cork.

The Gordon Elliott-trained 7/2 chance did miss a couple of hurdles in the back straight but got it right when it mattered in the straight.

Robbie Power’s mount struck the front two out, and kept on well to beat Enchanted Forest (13/2) by two lengths. The 5/2 favourite Gentleman Duke was a further half-length back in third. Smithfield started to jump left as the race developed, and could find no extra from two out finishing fifth.

Power said, “The better ground and a stronger pace helped him. He settled much better today.”