Sneaky Getaway and Brian Hayes clear the last © Photo Healy Racing
Classy Flat performer Sneaky Getaway made a stylish winning debut over hurdles at Roscommon this evening.
Emmet Mullins' charge was last seen finishing a commendable eighth in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October and the dual bumper winner was making first appearance over jumps today.
Brian Hayes let his mount slide into the lead after the fifth last and he jumped well in the main throughout the race, run over just shy of two-miles-five.
He had his rivals at work early in the straight and an error two from home couldn't halt his momentum.
The Getaway gelding skipped clear before the last to record an easy six-and-a-half length victory over Premium Package at odds of 5/4.
Winning trainer Emmet Mullins was recently banned from attending racemeetings for three months having gained access to Leopardstown without the necessary clearance but he was on hand to greet the winner and explained:-
"My suspension doesn't kick in until two weeks after the referral (July 5th)."
He added "It was a great first effort and was good to get him off the mark.
"He has been a great horse for the owners, that is his fifth win and that was a great start to the year.
"We can look towards Galway now, he is a high class staying horse on the flat and does want a trip over hurdles too.
“I think there is a 2m4f novice in Galway and hopefully we can be competitive again."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)