Hell Bent moves clear© Photo Healy Racing
Jessica Harrington's Hell Bent made all in first-time blinkers to scoop a premier handicap in the Cork Derby over a mile and a half.
Shane Foley dictated on the 8/1 shot from Vischio and Port Sunlight turning for home over three furlongs out.
He appeared to be vulnerable as Foley started to work hard on top, however the Mastercraftsman gelding knuckled down and had the pursuers in trouble a quarter from home.
Foley soon went for the whip and his game mount keep finding and kept increasing the margin. His rivals were beaten inside the final furlong as Hell Bent kept up the gallop to prevail by a canny two lengths. Safecracker 11/4 favourite, ran on for second and was a nose in front of Massaman (11/2).
Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: "He didn't get the clearest of runs up the home straight at the Curragh the last day and we rode him to stay the trip today. Shane thought he definitely stayed and we threw the blinkers on.
"The horses were a little quiet (when he previously ran in May) and he loves when he can get out and get that nice lead. Shane says he could step up again, stays all day and loves being out in front dictating.
"He is a lovely big horse and he is in the July Sale and, while we have to talk to connections to see if he goes, he could be a beautiful dual-purpose horse and is only starting to fill his frame."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
