Equity Swap makes gains in Cork

Equity Swap the even money favourite, landed the odds in Cork’s opening two mile maiden hurdle for Henry de Bromhead and Brian Hayes.

The five-year-old raced behind clear leader Authorative before closing up on that rival at the halfway stage. When Authorative fell at the fourth last Equity Swap was left in a lead that he wouldn’t relinquish. Captain Carleton was the only horse with a chance of hunting down Equity Swap, but he was never nearer than when he passed the post two and a half lengths in arrears at 8/1. There was 12 lengths back to Fiord Cottage (10/1) in third.

Henry de Bromhead said: “I’m delighted and Brian gave him a great ride. He’s not an easy horse and he doesn’t jump great. He can jump a few well, but can be terrible at others but he has a fair engine. I might give him a spin back on the flat at some stage.

“I might regret this, but he might be better over fences in time. There’s a novice hurdle for him in Tramore for horses rated 116 or less and he’ll go there if qualified.

“Brian is with me one day a week for some time and I’ve always wanted to give him some rides and I’m delighted I have. He works hard and reminds me of Andrew (Lynch).”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes