Andrew Lynch pushes Hisaabaat out to victory from Shadow Catcher (noseband) and Countrywide Flame (left)© Photo Healy Racing
lost his maiden tag over hurdles at the perfect time as he took the first of four Grade 1 contests on Super Sunday at Leopardstown, the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, for his trainer Dermot Weld with Andrew Lynch aboard.
The son of Dubawi was fitted with blinkers for the first time today and they worked a treat as he came to challenge Shadow Catcher at the last before going on to score by a length and a half at the odds of 15/2.
Having finished second behind Sportsmaster and Ut De Sivola already this season, he gained his revenge on that pair this afternoon as they both disappointed.
Ut De Sivola, who was sent off the 2/1 favourite, could only manage seventh under Ruby Walsh while Sportsmaster finished one place better in sixth at 7/1.
The Gordon Elliott trained Shadow Catcher ran well to finish second at 11/2 under Davy Condon while the John Quinn trained Countrywide Flame was a further length and a half back in third at 9/2.
Winning trainer Dermot Weld, who was recording his second successive victory in the race after Unaccompanied last year, said afterwards: "He did it well and got a lovely ride from Andrew (Lynch).
"He was second on his last three runs and he had a little bit more in him.
"Andrew learned from riding him the last day. He gave him a perfect ride and waited a bit longer before delivering the goods.
"It's quite possible he might have won the last day but he came on from that. He learned his job well and is progressing.
"He will go for the Triumph Hurdle now, which we were second in last year with Unaccompanied who also won this race. He is progressive consistent and should run well at Cheltenham.
"I thought Andrew would suit him as he is a Grade 1 jockey who is riding with a lot of confidence.
"The better ground here today suited him as it was a bit heavy for him at Punchestown on his last start."
Bookmakers Paddy Powers now go 14/1 about the winner for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham from 25/1. Sean Graham's go 14/1 from 33’s while Ladbrokes are best priced at 16/1 from 25's.
