Iron Allen shows his toughness in Naas

The complexion of the maiden hurdle for four-year-olds plus in Naas changed markedly in the closing stages as Iron Allen showed his mettle under Eoin Walsh. Hillsdale came through to lead between the final two flights, pulling the proverbial train, and looked home for all money once he asserted and cleared the last.

However, he found little off the bridle and both Iron Allen and Howdoyalikeherhome swept past him on the run-in. Iron Allen found most to prevail by three-quarters of a length at 9/1 from runner-up Howdoyalikeherhome at 80/1. Hillsdale finished three lengths further back in third at 15/2.

Jockey Eoin Walsh said: “He was gutsy, travelled away and jumped well. He found plenty to the line.

“He is probably not a horse for really heavy ground but with all due respect it probably wasn’t the strongest race and the favourite (Brennus Lescribaa in seventh) disappointed.

“I was glad that I had something to lead me to the last and just wanted to wing it and he put his head down and stays well.

“Ciaran has done a good job with him and sweetened him up lovely. Hopefully he’ll improve another bit.”

The winner is a half-brother to Enjoy D’allen who runs in the Cross Country at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee