Takarengo scores over hurdles but Flat prizes the main aim

He made heavy weather of it but 5/4 favourite Takarengo ultimately got the job done in the Corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle (Div II).

Sean O’Keeffe’s mount was off the bridle from a long way out and down the home straight it looked like he was set for minor money at best but he knuckled down well from the last to thwart James Fort (5/2|) by half a length with longshot Daicheadacuig (125/1) in third.

The winner had run third in a Leopardstown maiden hurdle won by Macs Flamingo which also featured Glentruan who landed the first division of this heat.

He was getting off the mark at the thirteenth attempt over hurdles after seven placed efforts and has also won twice on the Flat.

Winning trainer Tom Mullins remarked: “He is a very good jumper but hates jumping. He needs a bit of nice ground, doesn't want firm and was in really good order today but today was his day over hurdles.

"Hurdling really isn't for him but if the owner (Mrs Rita Byrne) wants he'll run at Punchestown but his main target is the Cesarewitch. He was third in it last year (behind Great White Shark) and whether or not we mind his mark until then I don't know, as there are nice pots between here and then."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes