Optional Mix and Jordan Gainford jump the last© Photo Healy Racing
Optional Mix powered clear from the last to open her account over fences in fine style at Thurles this afternoon.
The Eoin Doyle-trained mare, winner of a point-to-point and maiden hurdle, was backed from 14/1 into 13/2 to score at the third attempt over fences.
Jordan Gainford tracked the front-running Yabo in the two-and-a-half mile contest before taking over from the leader running down to the last.
The daughter of Carlotamix galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a 14-length winning margin.
"To be honest I thought the winner (Yabo) was in front at the top of the hill and while I didn't know what was behind me, Richie (Deegan) took a look behind and I switched out coming down the hill,” revealed Gainford.
“In fairness to her, she latched back on it and fought down to the last and won going away.
"She had two runs over fences and her jumping was very good today."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
