Hill lunges late to claim Rockingham for Hassetts

The Martin Hassett-trained Harry's Hill just prevailed in a bunch finish to the Dubai Duty Free Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh.

There were five in a line fighting out the finish going to the winning post in the five-furlong premier handicap, worth €100,000.

It was 10lb claimer Wayne Hassett who got a great tune from the 14/1 shot, trained by his great-uncle, to lunge late and get his head in front on the line for a head victory.

There was a dead-heat for the runner-up spot between Michaela's Boy and Master Matt with a short-head back to Big Gossey in fourth.

It was a seventh career success for Harry's Hill and his trainer said afterwards:-

“At the start of the week when I saw the entries I thought what are we after doing!

“He ran disappointing in Tipperary, we reckoned he ran a bit flat. I thought he’d win in Tipperary, we’d get 7lb and we’d get into this but he ran bad and got dropped 3lb.

“Normally I’d say you’d want to be in the high 80s to get into this. As the week went on I got more positive and when I saw Jon Riggens was favourite I felt wherever he finishes we won’t be too far away.

“This is the most important race of the year for a small operation and small owners. He was bought for 12,000 and is a legend of a horse.

“He might come back here for the Scurry. I always thought he’d get six furlongs but he’s never run well over six so we’ll see.

“Wayne (17) is well able to ride and he doesn’t look like a 10lb claimer. He’s working in Joseph O’Brien’s now and will learn plenty there.”

The winning rider told RTE:- “I was very confident because he actually worked here at the Curragh one day and came up the stand's side rail and he did it perfectly.

“I said I'd come out and ride him very confidently. I just let him jump out himself, I didn't really push him out today to get up in front because I wanted to get a lead horse in front of me and look for the gaps.

“I thought I was going to get caught for a gap. I kept following and waiting my turn and as I soon as I seen a little bit of a gap I went.

“Fair play to him he's some horse. He's after making my day and I'm absolutely loving it right now.

“It's an absolute dream to ride my first winner up here, especially for the family. I'm over the moon and can't believe it.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported me. I've lost my 10lb claim now and I'm absolutely delighted.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)