Glendine River jumps the last under Brian Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
Glendine River ran out a convincing winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle, scoring for the third time at Tramore.
Third on the level at Killarney last month, the Dermot O’Brien trained eight-year-old since disappointed in the race won by Kiln Rock at Wexford.
Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time tonight, she opened on-course at just 9/1 (from 25s last night), eventually going off an 8/1 chance under Brian Hayes.
Settled towards rear, the daughter of Urban Ocean took closer order from three out, and was pushed along in fourth on the approach to the second last.
She got to the front before the last, and kept on strongly on the run-in, going on to score by eleven lengths. Theydon Park (4/1) finished second under Davy Russell for Joseph O’Brien, while For Freddie (16/1) was another two and a half lengths back in third, with Stephen Gray in the saddle for Edmond Kent.
The Henry De Bromhead trained Heron Heights was sent off the 11/8 favourite and he faded tamely once pushed along from three out.
O'Brien, who is also the winning owner and breeder, said afterwards: "She just loves it here, three of her four wins have been here.
"The change in tactics tonight probably helped a lot. We tried to make the running in Wexford but she just didn't jump well enough to hold the position. He took his time on her tonight and it probably helped her to jump.
"The cheekpieces probably kept her concentrated. We will keep hurdling away with her, she is after running in a few flat races too. She will probably mix it between hurdles and the longer type flat races. She'll probably come back here in August.
"We had a lot to live up to after last night! (father in-a-law Pat Duffy was successful with Courtin Bb).
"I credit Brian Hayes with a lot of it because he thinks of what is the best thing to do with her, and he got the tactics spot on tonight."
STEWARDS REPORT
Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdle number four to be omitted.
P.T. Enright, rider of Heron Heights trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Heron Heights, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
