Paddys Planet scores on handicap debut

The 5/2 favourite Paddys Planet followed up a win at Limerick in November when landing the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

The Kalanisi gelding tracked the leaders before coming through to lead on the approach to the straight. He was a bit awkward over the final flight but Jack Foley quickly had him back on an even keel and he went away to beat Never Off Duty (15/2) by four and a half lengths.

Longstanding maiden I Don’t Get It (10/3), third in the corresponding heat last year, was another two and a half lengths away as he filled the same position this time around.

Winning trainer Ross O’Sullivan said: “He’s a real three-mile chaser. Jamie Codd recommended him after riding him to win his point-to-point. He’s a horse that will be lovely over fences.

“He won a maiden hurdle in Limerick for horses that hadn’t been placed (under rules) so he was always going to get a nice mark, and 106 today was lovely.

“He’ll probably stay hurdling and go chasing next year. The further he steps up the better he’ll get. He definitely wants three miles.

“The man that owns him, Richard Murphy from England, it’s the first horse he’s owned and he’s won twice for him now.”

Quotes from Alan Magee