Sight Nor Seen records 40/1 shock on hurdle debut

Sight Nor Seen made a successful debut over hurdles at odds of 40/1 in the two and three quarter miles Kilberry Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

The Malachy Hassett-trained gelding had shown little in 11 previous outings both in point-to-points and bumpers but was something of a revelation here.

The son of Morozov travelled well early in the straight and had just headed 11/4 favourite For The Cause when that rival fell three out.

Mark McDonagh ’s mount faced a couple of strong challenges before the final flight but it was Motion In Limine who came home strongly from off the pace to just be denied by half-a-length. Listening Mode was a neck further back in third.

Hassett said, "“I knew he'd run well today. He has shown plenty at home and he's good to jump. Mark schooled him during the week and he jumped great for him so I knew he'd nearly do the business today.

“He's an oul stayer and he was unlucky in a few point-to-points when he fell.

“We'll play it by ear now. Today was today and we'll be happy with the prize-money - that'll do me as I had no money on him.”

Hassett's last winner under rules was all of nine years ago and had a sad footnote as Lough Donnell Mist fatally collapsed shortly after the line when winning a Sligo maiden hurdle in 2012.

(GC & AM)