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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Hispanic makes all to beat off Mourne Handicap rivals

Tue 15th Aug 2023, 14:34

Hispanic and Seamie Heffernan far side win from Dandyville Billy Lee for trainer Aidan O Brien. Hispanic and Seamie Heffernan far side win from Dandyville Billy Lee for trainer Aidan O Brien.
© Photo Healy Racing

Hispanic proved far too strong for some tough seasoned sprinters when making all the running to land the Bar One Racing Wishing Kevin O'Hare A Happy Retirement Mourne Handicap.

Well away under Seamie Heffernan, the Aidan O'Brien trained three-year-old led habitual front runner Livingston Range in the early stages, as the remainder of the field played catch up.

With the latter gelding struggling to keep tabs on the No Nay Never colt from early in the straight, the majority of rivals were off the bridle in behind.

Only eventual second Dandyville managed to emerge from the chasing pack to throw down any sort of meaningful challenge. The Natalia Lupini trained five-year-old gaining with every stride to get within a nose at the line.

However, Hispanic kept finding for pressure, holding on to record a thoroughly deserved win under a fine front running ride from Heffernan.

Seamie Heffernan said: "He has been a little bit disappointing, but maybe he is only coming to himself.

"It was the backend of last year when he came right and bolted up in a maiden on very different ground and we thought he was a stakes horse, and then he was fourth in a Listed race."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

1st
15/2
Tote €9.40 €2.30
2nd
nose
15/8Fav
€1.30
3rd
2.25L
9/2
€2.00
4th
shd
8/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.