Szabo's gives Benson his first NH win

Just six went to post for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (three of the declared field of nine were earlier taken out) with the 4yo Szabo's Destiny running out an easy winner giving his rider Danny Benson his first victory under National Hunt rules.

The Gordon Elliott trained son of Dubai Destination was having just his fourth start in Ireland having been bought at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale in October of last year for just 5,000 Guineas from the yard of James Given.

Since joining Elliott's he ran in a 3yo maiden hurdle at Navan in November, finishing a good fourth before running twice on the all-weather at Dundalk.

Back over hurdles today he travelled well entering the straight and hit the front after the last, taking over from the 5/4 favourite Some Say

He drew clear on the run-in to score by an easy seven and a half lengths from Jak Dream who ran on to take second at 10/1, while the short priced favourite Some Say was a further neck back in third.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "I thought he didn't get a great handicap mark of 107 but he had his 4yo allowance and Danny gave him a great ride.

"The plan was to leave him off but after that we will probably run him again.

"He was a cheap horse and he has paid for himself now.

"I'm delighted for his owner Martin (Wasylocha) who has been a good supporter of ours and it's good to get a winner for him."