Speak Easy makes impressive hurdle debut

Speak Easy belied a major walk in the market to make an impressive debut under rules in the Kells Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

The Beneficial gelding won a Kilworth point-to-point in March for Sean Doyle before being sold to JP McManus for 220,000 pounds, and this performance against 20 rivals suggests there is plenty more good days to come.

Mark Walsh switched out the 10/1 chance (as short as 3/1 in some lists this morning) to challenge approaching the last, and he was in front a few strides onto the run-in.

Walsh didn’t need to get animated at all as the four-year-old, whose dam For Bill won many times including at Grade 3 level, stretched clear to beat well-backed 7/4 favourite Dis Donc by six lengths. Scarpeta supported from 8/1 into 5/1, didn’t help his chance by blundering two out and finished a further three quarters of a length back in third.

A smart performance from Speak Easy who lengthens away nicely in the opener at @NavanRacecourse: pic.twitter.com/mE74xadMGD

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 9, 2017

Winning trainer Joseph O'Brien said, “We thought he'd run well. Obviously he won his point-to-point and we really liked him but to be honest I thought he was a big horse that would be even better next year. It's a surprise that he won that well and he's probably a nice horse to do that.

“This horse is a real chaser. He's a big well-bred horse, he's after winning his point-to-point, and he's a very exciting horse. Mark rode him work and really liked him. I'm surprised he won that well but he obviously has a good engine.

“His options might be limited enough. Off the top of my head I think there is a Listed race in Limerick but I'll have to talk to Frank and JP. He can go up in trip anytime and I'd imagine he probably needs a bit further.”

(GC & AM)