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Friendless Hardback springs a surprise

Hardback and Davy Russell lead over the lastHardback and Davy Russell lead over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Despite proving friendless with punters, Hardback came out on top in the opener at Sligo, the Clayton Hotel Maiden Hurdle.

As short as 9/2 in early shows, the Joseph O'Brien trained six-year-old opened on-course at 14s, before going off a 16/1 chance in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.

The son of Mozorov unseated on his only previous start in a point-to-point in March 2015, and was settled behind the leaders today by Davy Russell.

He came with his challenge on the outer from two out, and gained a narrow lead before the last, staying on well under pressure on the run-in to see off the challenge of Silver Star by half a length.

The runner-up was returned at 5/1 under Paul Townend for Alan Fleming, while the 6/4 favourite Sharps Choice was a further two and a half lengths back in third for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins.

Russell said afterwards: "They weren't sure what he was really coming here. Obviously he's a six-year-old but I'd say he's fine and we're pleasantly surprised."

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy

1st
16/1
Tote €10.90 €3.30
2nd
0.5L
5/1
€1.90
3rd
2.5L
6/4Fav
€1.02
4th
0.75L
9/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.