Ashdale Bob and Paddy Kennedy pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Ashdale Bob sprang a surprise in the Grade 2 BetVictor Make Your Best Bet Novice Hurdle, as the market leaders both failed to fire.
Having got off the mark on his fourth start over the course and distance last month, the Jessica Harrington trained gelding was sent off a 14/1 chance this afternoon (from 20s).
Settled towards rear by Paddy Kennedy, the son of Shantou took closer order from four out and got a dream run through on the inner from the next.
In front from the second last, the Diarmuid Horgan owned five-year-old was soon ridden clear and he extended his advantage on the run-in, going on to register a six-length success. Fakiera (5/1) kept on nicely to take second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Gabynako (11/2) was another three parts of a length back in third. Holymacapony who was returned the 7/4 favourite, faded tamely before the third last and he was eventually pulled up by Rachael Blackmore.
The Willie Mullins trained Fighter Allen (11/4) also weakened quickly in the straight and he too was pulled up before the last.
Paddy Kennedy, who was recording the biggest win of his career to date, said afterwards: "He was very good. He switched off lovely today which is important with him."
"He's a nice horse, he improved a good bit from the last day and I think he'll improve again on a bit of nicer ground. That was a bit on the dead side for him.
"He's a nice prospect going forward. He likes it here and won his maiden hurdle here as well.
"He'll jump a fence too and I'd say chasing is his real game.
"A step up to three miles would be no bother to him. Everything from two-and-a-half to three he'd be fine."
Paddy Power go 20/1 about Ashdale Bob for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Holymacapony, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fighter Allen (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P. Townend, rider of Fighter Allen (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its coordination and stopped quickly.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of Holymacapony trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount got very tired and stopped quickly.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
