Hillsdale digs deep to open account

Hillsdale showed tenacity to battle gamely and land the spoils for Philip Dempsey in the first division of the 80-102 handicap hurdle at Naas.

Keith Donoghue bounced out in front on the 11/2 shot and he was joined by the smooth travelling Ricky Bobby jumping the second last.

The Westerner gelding found plenty when asked at the last and knuckled down to record a two-length win over that rival.

“It wasn't the plan to make it. The last day he looked home and hosed, he's a quirky fella,” said Dempsey.

“He's very difficult, he's not for young lads to ride out or anything. Keith did a great job with him. He ran away the last day but I'd say the ground was a lot heavier in Fairyhouse.

“I'm delighted with the way he battled there, it's great.

“We'll try him again and he'll go chasing next year, he's a big horse.

“The owner (Brian Pierce) isn't here, he's a good supporter of ours.”