Hazelhatch Lady and Mark McDonagh far win the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Hazelhatch Lady put two disappointing runs behind her when making all the running to cause a 33/1 upset in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon.
The James Andrew Fahey trained grey mare had failed to complete on her first two starts over hurdles but looked a different proposition on this occasion, jumping and travelling well.
Sent straight to the front by Mark McDonagh, the six-year-old build up a sizeable lead early on the final circuit but looked in trouble when pushed along turning for home.
Runner-up Skradin looked to be travelling much better under Gavin Brouder as that pair closed in second. However, the Fahey mare wasn't for passing, showing real determination to keep on strongly for a half-length win.
James Fahey, “When she’s good she’s good but when she’s bad she’s very disappointing. She’s very hit and miss but on her day she’s very good.
“I’m delighted that she did get her maiden hurdle as Frank (Reynolds, owner/breeder) breeds so that’s a bumper and a maiden hurdle.
“I don’t know where we will go next but we’ll probably have to go left-handed as she was leaning out the whole way.
“She actually did a piece of work last Thursday and it was probably the worst bit of work she’s ever done. She’s a big puzzle and anything else she does now is a bonus.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
