Hu Ha Jo and Paul O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
Hu Ha Jo caused a 25/1 upset to win the Plenty To Do Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick today but unfortunately the race saw the death of nearest challenger at the time, Clonsilla Affairs who broke a leg when being produced with his challenge in the dip.
Clonsilla Affairs was pushed along to challenge Hu Ha Jo (under amateur jockey Paul O'Brien) when suffering his fatal injury before the second last flight, leaving the winner further clear of his rivals. However, to Hu Ha Jo's credit he kept up the momentum to hold on for a two lengths win over Athronan
Afterwards winning trainer Derek Barry, based in Straffan, Co Kildare, stated “Hu Ha Jo was unlucky here last time when a horse fell in front of him and I fancied him that day.
“I have him about a year and has had different owners but they've all walked away from him! The jockey Paul and his dad Myles O'Brien own him now and some of his previous owners thought he wouldn't get that trip, but he got it well. He is a sharp horse and he liked that track. The rain was a big help.”
Seven to four favourite Coldwinter, which finished fourth, was found to be lame post race.
