Rock records rare three-year-old handicap hurdle success

Gambled Robbies Rock (morning 8/1, returned 85/40f) was a rare three-year-old winner of a handicap hurdle today, as the Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding landed Cork’s Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, under Conor Stone-Walsh.

Rated 77 on the Flat, the son of Derby-winner Masar was third on his jumps debut in August before finishing unplaced on two subsequent start and today, rated 105, was one of two juvenile runners in the 14-runner race.

Racing keenly and with the pace, Robbies Rock led travelling well early in the home straight and readily accounted for Wardens Whisper by three lengths.

Stone-Walsh, who rode his first jumps winner in the corresponding race in 2023, reported “he did it well although being a three-year-old in his first handicap, we were a bit unsure. There was no pace in the race and I didn’t plan to be upsides in front but I didn’t want to be stuck for tow either. He was looking around coming up the straight but did it well.

“He showed good Flat form and it took him a while to get the hang of jumping. Hopefully he can keep improving.”

Robbies Rock is thought to be the first such Irish three-year-old handicap-hurdle winner this century.