Identity Thief takes Grade 2 feature

Identity Thief got his season off to a great start when making all in the featured Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal.

This two-mile event for second season hurdlers has been won by some decent types in the past including Jezki two years ago, and the Gigginstown-owned five-year-old was completing a double on the day for Bryan Cooper who successfully carried the same colours on Cogryhill in the maiden hurdle.

The only real moment of worry for the well-backed 15/8 favourite came at the final flight where Cooper spotted a long stride but the Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding decided to put in an extra one at the last minute.

The combination got safely to the other side and kept on well on the run-in to beat Whiteout by three and a half lengths, with Modem finding no extra from before the last another eight and a half lengths back in third.

De Bromhead said, "He showed some really nice form last year but possibly everything happened a bit quickly for him as he won his bumper and maiden hurdle first-time out both times.

"I'll talk to the O'Leary's but I imagine he'll stay hurdling this year and will make a lovely chaser.

"I'm delighted with that. He did it well and jumped great apart from the last. I hope he'll improve. He did it the hard way and Bryan gave him a super ride. He is riding out of his skin.

"The race that comes to mind is the Hattons Grace over two and a half miles."

When asked about possibly going down the Champion Hurdle route he replied, "I wouldn't mind going down the Champion Hurdle route. You know me, I like to live the dream!"

Cooper said, "He's strengthened up well after a summer break and is improving the whole time. He jumped well bar the last which was mixed communications. He got me out of trouble and won with a bit up his sleeve as well."

(MG & AM)