Dicey O'reilly and Dylan Robinson (black cap) on their way to winning the Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle from Mortal (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Dicey O'reilly continued a terrific Christmas run for Henry de Bromhead when claiming the Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The Stowaway gelding was sent to post an 18/1 shot for the two-and-a-half mile contest having been well beaten when fourth on his 'track' debut at Cork last month.
He travelled well into contention today turning for home and was sent to the front passing the omitted final flight by Dylan Robinson.
The five-year-old stayed on well in the closing stages to post a three-and-a-half length winning margin over Mortal 6/4 favourite Ballyward finished fourth.
“I'm delighted with him. It's brilliant to get it for the owners, Brian and Carmel Acheson, who are great supporters,” said de Bromhead.
“He was bought of a point-to-point. As I seem to keep saying lately there were a lot of long faces when he got well beaten in Cork.
“We found a problem with him and he seems good since. He showed on the track what he shows us at home.
“He'll go for a novice hurdles now. He's entitled to as that was a good maiden and he won nicely.
“He's still babyish and is a chaser for the future. He won in Knockanard which is a good point-to-point and a lot of good horses have come out of there.”
