Darrens Hope delights Murphy in Ballinrobe Darrens Hope was produced at the final flight by Denis O'Regan to capture the mares' maiden hurdle in Ballinrobe. The six-year-old daughter of Oscar tracked Champagne Diva during this contest and challenged her between the last two hurdles. She took a narrow lead at the last and soon asserted from the tiring runner-up. The 2/1 joint favourite increased the margin to 11 lengths at the winning post from Champagne Diva at 6/1. The other 2/1 joint favourite, Sovereign Gold, couldn't land a blow in third. “A beginners' chase is what I have in mind for her now, but we just wanted to try and win a maiden hurdle with her first,” said owner/trainer/breeder Bob Murphy. “I was a small bit worried coming here with the opposition she was facing. “That was a good run she had in Listowel though, and she should be a good chaser as she’s already won a point-to-point.” Darrens Hope won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in January but was subsequently disqualified for a prohibited substance. Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
