Hidden Universe sends punters home happy

The final race of the 2011 Flat Season, the Leopardstown November Handicap, went to the 7/2 favourite Hidden Universe for his trainer Dermot Weld (recording a double after scoring earlier with Enchanted Evening with Pat Smullen aboard.

The 5yo son of Linamix, better known for his exploits under National Hunt rules, won last time out at Navan in a maiden over 2m.

Last year's winner What A Charm attempted to make all under Johnny Murtagh but was headed and faded over two furlongs out as the winner made his move and hit the front a furlong from home. He kept on well from there to score by three parts of a length from Pozyc at 12/1 under Niall McCullagh back in second.

The well supported Highly Efficient 10/1 this morning into 11/2 at the off, finished a further half a length back in third under Ben Curtis while Tawaagg completed the placings a length and three parts back in fourth at 14/1 under Conor Hoban.

Winning trainer Dermot Weld said afterwards: "Pat wasn't the champion but he rode a really good race there. Him and Johnny are two brilliant riders and Johnny has been riding right at the top of form to win.

"Today was the day for him. We'll find at race for him a Leopardstown at Christmas now, maybe the Grade 1 Hurdle.

"He is a very good horse and 2m is probably his trip but the way he finished today he might even get further."