Captain Conby, near side, delivers his winning challenge© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Dusty Sheehy was effusive in his praise of Captain Conby who got up late on at 66/1 in the extended two mile three furlong maiden hurdle at Punchestown. Noble Birth Whatsavailable and Happy Du Mesnil were the main protagonists throughout but Captain Conby closed on the latter at the final flight.
He clipped the top bar but, when Kevin Sexton went for him, he responded gamely to wear down Happy Du Mesnil close home.
He prevailed by half a length from the The Waltzer who finished strongly for second at 22/1. Happy Du Mesnil (3/1) was a short head back in third.
It's certainly rare to see a maiden hurdle in Ireland where the first five home are separated by less than a length.
Sheehy said:- “I think he's a graded horse, he's only 80 per cent ready.
"He jumps really well. He was a little bit novicey today but I wouldn't mind that as he's naturally a very good jumper.
“I think he's a horse with a very bright future, he'll stay a trip and I think he'll go on any ground.
“We'll look for a novice hurdle now somewhere. Hopefully he'll be alright in the morning, it's a long time since I had a lad as good as this so I'll have to try and mind him.
“He was always cantering everywhere today.
“I thought he'd win his bumper first time out and I was surprised he got beat but Willie (Mullins) told me his one (Belle Metal) was a jet plane and it turned out it was.
"He had a disappointing run after that and we gave him a break then. Hopefully it's onwards and upwards.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
