Empire Of Dirt (Bryan Cooper) leads The Game Changer (David Casey) over the last in the 2nd at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
A 325,000 Euro purchase in his time, as a three-year-old, Empire Of Dirt landed the Listed Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle as Gigginstown House Stud sent out the first two with their The Game Changer filling the runner-up spot in the second at Naas.
The jumping frailties of some of his rivals – Champagne James and Kick On Boss – saw Empire Of Dirt take up the running from the third hurdle.
After two out, Bryan Cooper, on Empire Of Dirt, would have been worried that he'd chosen the wrong one as The Game Changer went in pursuit going well.
However Empire Of Dirt (wasn't great at the last) toughed it out best on the run-in to triumph by two lengths. Martello Tower caught the eye in coming home well for the fourth spot, behind Sizing Codelco in third.
Having been waited with in rear of mid-division, favourite Quickpick Vic seemed to 'light up' and make his ground approaching the fourth last.
It looked okay for him at the next but he quickly 'came off it' two out and he was beaten in fourth when making a mistake to unseat Paul Carberry at the last.
"He's always threatened to win a good one but he's had a few hiccups.
"He stuck his head out well there and whatever he does before he goes chasing, over three miles, is a bonus.
"All the family want a trip and hopefully he'll keep improving," reported successful handler Colm Murphy.
P. Townend, rider of Pink Hat trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was unable to obtain a clear run in the straight.
(AM & EM)
