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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Brian off the mark in style

Sat 2nd Mar 2013, 14:56

Mad Brian and Fergal HarfordMad Brian and Fergal Harford
© Photo Healy Racing

Mad Brian stretched away in good style to land the Nobber Maiden Hurdle by an impressive 34 lengths at Navan this afternoon.

The Gillian Callaghan-trained gelding had proven no match for Defy Logic at Fairyhouse last time before unshipping his jockey at the last.

He had nothing of that calibre to worry about today and it proved plain sailing for Fergal Harford this time.

66/1 outsider Boxwood Boy took them along in the two-miler but was tackled at the third last by Mad Brian.

The 9/10 favourite went on before the next and was pulling clear of nearest pursuer Pyrus Gold Wind when that rival fell at the last.

Boxwood Boy was hampered by the faller and was run out of it for the runner-up spot by Champagne Agent in the closing stages.

The winner was easy to back, opening 8/11 on course and eventually returning a shade of odds-on. He was gaining a deserved victory having been runner-up in two bumpers and on his last start on his hurdling debut.

It was a first winner 'on the track' for Harford, who is the trainer's brother and also brother of former well known amateur Greg. The rider has had a winner in a point-to-point.

“He's a decent horse and we always thought he was,” said Callaghan afterwards.

“He was off the track for a while and the syndicate that own him were very patient. I'm not sure were we'll go now but it's great to get a win. We'll maybe have a look at something at Fairyhouse or Punchestown.”

There was drama at the rear of the action between Hero De Villeneuve and Parlour Of Dreams

Andrew Lynch showed great sportsmanship at the third flight when rival Parlour Of Dreams blundered and it appeared that his bridle slipped over his ear.

He moved his mount Hero De Villeneuve close to the other horse and adjusted the tack before Keith Donoghue completed the job.

Lynch's good deed wasn't rewarded however as his horse fell four from home and in the process he brought down Parlour Of Dreams.

Lynch was stood down for the rest of the day after receiving five stitches in his lip.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)

1st
9/10Fav
Tote €2.30 €1.30
2nd
34L
2/1
€1.02
3rd
1L
66/1
€87.80
4th
6L
25/1
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.