Hispanic Moon rises on Irish debut Hispanic Moon gave connections an immediate return on their investment when causing an upset in the Listed Frontline Security Grabel Mares Hurdle at Punchestown. The daughter of Spanish Moon was a multiple winner in France for David Cottin including a Grade 3 chase and was purchased last spring by present connections. Broomfield Bijou set the pace in this 2m2f event until challenged by a number of rivals before the home straight. The 20/1 winner struck the front approaching the final flight and kept on really well under Darragh O’Keeffe to beat Saylavee by a length and three-quarters. Broomfield Bijou was a further four and three-quarter lengths away in third while 8/15 favourite Shecouldbeanything could find no extra approaching the last and finished fourth. Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “She did it really well and had been working nicely at home. She obviously had good form and Kieran spotted her. “She’s a gorgeous looking mare and I’m delighted with her today. I’d say that’s as short as she’d want and hopefully a step up in trip will suit her.” Kieran Mariga (owner) added, “I liked this mare when I spotted her first. She has big racey ears and I gave her to the right man and had the right man on top of her. “I’ve a friend in Arqana who recommended her to me and she cost 80,000 last Easter so I’m delighted to get that result and hopefully there is more to come.” The same owner/trainer/rider combination enjoyed a notable success at the Cheltenham Festival last March when Maskada won the Grand Annual Handicap Chase.
