Hill Road powers clear to make impressive winning debut

National Stakes entrant Hill Road looked a potentially smart prospect when making an impressive winning debut in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF(C&G) Maiden at Leopardstown.

A barrier trial winner at Naas in May, the Adrian Murray trained colt held the box seat early on, as stablemate Admirador took them along, followed by Trinity College

As the leader gave way entering the straight, Trinity College led briefly but was soon headed by 11/2 chance Hill Road. The latter found plenty under David Egan, powering right away inside the final furlong to win by five lengths. Shackleton stayed on nicely from out of the chasing group to make a promising debut back in second, ahead of Drivers Seat in third.

Adrian Murray said: “We’ve always held this lad in good regard.

“We had him ready early in the year and he won a barrier trial in Naas.

“We backed off him as we wanted to give him time to strengthen up and to mature and he’s all there now.

“We’ll probably come back here for the Group 2 over a mile on Champions Weekend.

“He’s a very laid-back horse and takes a bit of revving up. It’s a good sign in a horse.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.