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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Darrens Hope delights Murphy in Ballinrobe

Sat 17th Oct 2020, 14:09

Darrens Hope puts in a good jump at BallinrobeDarrens Hope puts in a good jump at Ballinrobe
© Photo Healy Racing

Darrens Hope was produced at the final flight by Denis O'Regan to capture the mares' maiden hurdle in Ballinrobe.

The six-year-old daughter of Oscar tracked Champagne Diva during this contest and challenged her between the last two hurdles.

She took a narrow lead at the last and soon asserted from the tiring runner-up.

The 2/1 joint favourite increased the margin to 11 lengths at the winning post from Champagne Diva at 6/1. The other 2/1 joint favourite, Sovereign Gold couldn't land a blow in third.

“A beginners' chase is what I have in mind for her now, but we just wanted to try and win a maiden hurdle with her first,” said owner/trainer/breeder Bob Murphy.

“I was a small bit worried coming here with the opposition she was facing.

“That was a good run she had in Listowel though, and she should be a good chaser as she’s already won a point-to-point.”

Darrens Hope won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in January but was subsequently disqualified for a prohibited substance.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.