Denis O'Regan and Barry Connell - rider and owner of Cape City Boy© Photo Healy Racing
Cape City Boy got off the mark over flights as he made all to take the M.D.O´Shea Maiden Hurdle, under Denis O'Regan for John 'Shark' Hanlon and owner Barry Connell.
Successful in a bumper at Down Royal in February of 2015, the five-year-old son of Cape Cross finished third and fourth on his first two starts over hurdles.
Given a break since his last run in January, he was sent off the 7/4 favourite (from 2's) this evening.
Sent straight to the front by O'Regan, he increased his advantage as they entered the straight for the final time.
He was ridden and pressed after the second last, but kept on best on the run-in to score by a length and a half. Work Du Breteau (8's to 6's) ran a fine race to finish second under David Mullins for his father Tom, while Aimin For Anna (9/4) was a further twelve lengths back in third under Ger Fox for Thomas O'Connor.
John 'Shark' Hanlon said afterwards: "He missed the fourth last but got the job done.
"He's a big relaxed and lazy horse and while we'll see what mark he gets, he could go for a winners' race next.
"He's a 16.3hh big chaser and won't have too many more runs over hurdles. He's flat bred and will stay in for the summer."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
