Pale Blue Dot strikes for Hogan

Pale Blue Dot trained and ridden by Denis Hogan, put his jumping experience to good use in the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.

The 105-rated gelding, having his twelfth start over hurdles, led before three out and was chased all the way down the home straight by hurdling debutant Ocean Of Mercy (5/4 fav). The winner was much quicker away from the final flight than the market leader who wasn’t fluent and stayed on well to score by a length and three quarters.

Hogan said: "That was a while coming. He missed the year (Feb 21 - Jan 22) and I've been caught on him a few days over 2m6f and 3m. The feel he gave me there is 2m4f is lots for him. I felt going around I could have moved at any stage.

"He dug in for me and the horses are in good form and it is easier for the trainer and the rider when they are in good form!

"The loose horse was messing us around too, he was in and he was out but, to be fair to the horse, when he got out there on his own, he still drove on. He jumped lovely.

"It wasn't the strongest race and I can't imagine there will be a lot of winners out of it. These are great races for 20 grand, though. There was an argument for me going for a handicap but you see 20k in a maiden and you have to go for it.

"There's a final at the end of it and he could be one for the final in Punchestown."

Quotes from Michael Graham