Eddman scores on 'track' debut

Mister Eddman made a successful debut 'under rules' when running out a convincing winner of the opening Red Mills EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick this afternoon.

The Sans Frontieres gelding had been third on his sole point to point run at Belharbour early last month for Norman lee.

Racing for the first time for Oliver McKiernan he went to post a 16/1 shot and was handy throughout.

Danny Handy sent him up dispute after the fourth last and there were three in a line going to the final flight as first Mason Jar and then Makka Pakka challenged.

A better jump at the last gave Mister Eddman the advantage over Makka Pakka and he stayed on strongly on the run-in to secure a three-and-three-quarter length win. Lady Ischia stayed on late to grab second.

McKiernan said: "He had a hood on because he gets a little bit hot in himself and we just felt with the noise here today on his first time at a racecourse it would help him. It must have helped him because he relaxed very well.

"When he (Danny Hand) asked him to go on he went immediately. We are delighted for him.

"I definitely thought he had an each-way chance today - we came here for place money in fairness.

"We didn't know how he would handle the track as it is not every horse than handles it. Some of the others probably didn't.

"He travelled away up front and he's a front-running type of horse. You can ride him handy and travel away.

"He didn't pull up going up the hill which is what I liked.

"You'll definitely see him in Punchestown in the final of this series. It will be a good race but he's qualified now."

The members of the Keep The Faith Syndicate are all from McKiernan's family.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)