Canyon leaps to debut win over fences

Jumping won the day for Court Canyon as he made a winning chase debut, for Ian Donoghue at Down Royal today.

The Court Cave gelding had finished mid-division in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse on his first outing for the yard on Easter Monday.

He went to post a 10/1 shot on his first start over fences and was given a positive front-running ride by Paddy O’Hanlon. Scalpnagoon came to press going to the second last but his error there gave Court Canyon the advantage and he stayed on well late on to record a seven length success.

Donoghue said: "He won a point-to-point for Gavin (Cromwell) and we haven't schooled him that much over fences.

"We knew he would be good, he's very good over a hurdle.

"Even the last day in Fairyhouse, Sean Bowen rode him, he probably jumped a bit high, but he was very good there today.

“Paddy was happy and he said he was filling himself up and having a look in front. He did it easily.

"He said he didn't mind them getting to him because he knew he would pick up and go.

"He's versatile ground-wise and trip-wise - I wouldn't be afraid to go out (in trip), he could be one for a Summer Plate (at Market Rasen) or something." 

(Quotes by Michael Graham)