Wind blows strongest at the finish

On his third outing for Philip Dempsey Persian Wind deservedly found an opening to shed his maiden tag on start fourteen in the Supermac's Ballinrobe Handicap Hurdle.

The 11/4 favourite comes from a stable in form after the win of Dempsey's Teacher's Pet at Downpatrick yesterday. Dempsey's son Luke was aboard both the victors.

He had to be strong on Persian Wind here, but he had a willing partner as the Pushkin gelding reeled in Shamat (eventually third) on the run-in, to beat Barney King by a length.

"I suppose he made hard work of it in the end," reflected Dempsey.

"He needed everything to go right for him. His form was there, and a horse (Sharlanda) that finished behind him in Bellewstown won here since.

"He is small but gutsy and he'll probably step up in trip. He is in at Tramore on Friday, and we'll see."

(DM & EM)