Donal Murphy
Pidoyne completes quick double for de Bromhead
Aussie Warrior and Pidoyne (nearest) approach the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Pidoyne completed a quick double for Henry de Bromhead, as she bounced back to form in the Re/Max Team Earley Handicap Hurdle.
Successful at Tramore in April of last year, the Fast Company bay failed to make an impact on recent outings and was sent off a 14/1 chance this evening.
Providing Ethan O'Sullivan with a second career success, the six-year-old was settled towards rear on the outer, making progress on the approach to four out.
Pushed along to challenge before the next, she soon improved into a share of the lead and after a good tussle with Aussie Warrior there was a length between them at the line.
The runner-up was returned a well-backed 3/1 favourite (from 8s) under JJ Slevin for Thomas Hughes, while The Truant (4/1) was a further four-lengths away in third.
"We were very concerned about the ground beforehand but the lads were keen to run and her half-sister (Copie Conforme) won at Bellewstown the other evening on good ground," Robbie Power, representing de Bromhead, commented.
"I'm delighted for the lads (the Camphor Syndicate) as they've persevered with her, she's been frustrating at times. It's great for them to get their day.
"She handled the ground well and Ethan gave her a brilliant ride, he was patient on her and got into a nice rhythm and came with one run in the straight.
"That's his first winner for Henry and his second in total. He's a very good rider." Le Coq Hardi had earlier provided de Bromhead with his initial success in the feature.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cosmic Blizzard trained by S. Curling, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson