Kinirons' mare wins unchallenged

Sent off 7/2 joint-favourite, Hidden Land was an unchallenged winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. 

With Shane Fitzgerald unable to take up his intended mount, Kevin Sexton took the reins on the daughter of Hard Spun and soon established a long lead on her.

It was apparent a long way from home that she had built up an unassailable advantage and Peter Byrne's seven-year-old passed the post 11 lengths in front of Betty Dutton   

Kinirons said: "She's actually in foal to In Swoop and she loves it here - that is her third win here. She also has a win in Down Royal, so she likes the north. 

"Kevin gave her a great ride, he was a late sub. He was actually meant to ride her a few months ago and he got injured. He's a natural talent and I thought of him for her before. It is his first ride for us but he is very good. 

"I just told him to let her roll away, so it was the plan. He said that she was keen early, so he just let her on. Being in foal I'd say helped her, she looks great. We'll keep racing away as she is only just in foal. 

"She has got black-type over jumps and she's a tough mare. She is back well in herself. We will pick and choose and mix with the Flat. We might travel and I think we will leave Kevin on board."

Quotes from Michael Graham