Slieve Bearnagh and Josh Halford© Photo Healy Racing
Josh Halford was seen to great effect when giving Slieve Bearnagh a fine ride from the front to take division one of the Mallow Handicap Hurdle.
The teenage rider recorded his first win over hurdles aboard the same gelding, trained in partnership by his dad Mick and Tracey Collins, at Tramore last month and followed up here in great style.
The 11/2 chance built up a lead of over 12 lengths before halfway and while that advantage was greatly reduced early in the straight, he kept on strongly again from the last to beat Tipp For Mac by four and three-quarter lengths. Flashthelights was a further two and three-quarter lengths back in third.
A delighted Mick Halford said afterwards, “I just said to jump him out handy and give him a bit of daylight over the first couple. He’s ridden him schooling plenty so he knows him and he got into a lovely rhythm. He just let him pop away and made use of his jumping.
“He got a bit idle over the third and second last but he said when he heard the other horses coming he picked up again and went down and pinged the last.
“I’m delighted for Paul Rooney who has been a terrific owner over all the years and it’s wonderful that he’s given Josh the chances.
“His two rides over hurdles now have been winners and that's his fourth winner in total. He’s enjoying it and is up in Gordon(Elliott)’s full time and is getting a great grounding. He seems to like it so we’ll encourage him and see where it takes him.
“We’ll see what the handicapper does with him but he’s enjoying the jumping and will mix it with the Flat as well.”
