Damefirth makes the best way home in Kilbeggan© Photo Healy Racing
Damefirth justified 2/1 favouritism by readily taking the spoils in the two mile handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan in the hands of Dylan Robinson.
There was a nasty incident on the downhill run after the first hurdle when Star Of Angels, in rear of mid-division, slipped up and brought down Castletown Bridge and Persian Wind
Damefirth avoided the incident as she had already negotiated the bend in fourth place as grey horse Back To Balloo set the pace.
Damefirth made good headway to jump the third last in second just behind Back To Balloo and soon moved to the head of affairs before the home bend. Do Na Paisti loomed large on the shoulder of Damefirth approaching the second last but the favourite travelled much the better.
Once she jumped the penultimate obstacle, jockey Robinson got to work on her and although she was less than fluent at the last she maintained the gallop.
Henry de Bromhead's charge hit the line a length and three parts up on Do Na Paisti (16/1). First Trim was nibbled at from 14/1 to 12/1 having been 25s in the morning) and rewarded each-way punters by taking third. He was three quarters of a length behind Do Na Paisti.
Dylan Robinson said: "That's my first win over hurdles. She travelled away and took on every hurdle. She was beautiful and I couldn't fault her."
Robinson was formerly apprenticed to Jim Bolger before joining de Bromhead's yard.
"I switched in January as I was a bit heavy and thought I'd give the jumping scene a go. That's the first of many hopefully," he added.
The Stewards requested rider reports into the falls at the turn out of the back straight on the first circuit of Star Of Angels, ridden by Miss K. O'Farrell, Persian Wind, ridden by B. Hayes and Castletown Bridge, ridden by B.J. Cooper.
Miss K. O'Farrell reported that her mount lost his legs when slipping on the bend. B. Hayes reported that his mount was brought down by Star Of Angels. B.J. Cooper was unavailable for interview due to his detention in the ambulance room. Having considered the reports and viewed a recording of the incident, the Stewards were satisfied that the falls were accidental.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
