Hidden Charmer and Philip Enright© Photo Healy Racing
"He travelled well. He was a bit further back than I wanted but they went quick," reported Philip Enright after he'd guided 10/1 shot Hidden Charmer to success in the Follow Kilbeggan On Facebook Maiden Hurdle.
Action returned at the County Westmeath venue with favourite Kolumbus disappointing and eventually pulling up.
Up front Pat Doyle's Hidden Charmer got the better of Great Khan by six and half lengths.
There was money for Moroval (7s into 4s) and Ballybryan (25s into 12s) but they had to settle for third and fourth positions respectively.
"He jumped very well, like Pat Doyle's do. I started out with Pat Doyle and that's my first winner for him," further explained Enright.
"It's nice to ride a winner for him as I'm good friends with Pat and all the family, Mary and all the kids, as long as I'm in racing.
"He handled the ground. Top marks to Kilbeggan. It's good to yielding, beautiful ground, and well watered."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Kolumbus, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
The trainer's representative reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge Kolumbus, was found to have a lung infection on endoscopic examination.
(GC & EM)
