Dual-purpose Zoffman opens hurdle account Zoffman looks a nice dual-purpose gelding for connections and added to a couple of wins on the Flat when taking division one of the Pat O’Hare Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle at Naas. The Noel Meade-trained 7/2 shot headed the front-running Kara Sacre at the final flight and was driven out by Donagh Meyler to assert in the closing stages for a three and a quarter lengths verdict over that rival. King Jon Oliver kept on one paced to finish a further three and a half lengths back in third, while 8/11 favourite Los Blanco came under pressure entering the straight and could find no extra finishing fourth. Meade said, “Good things come in small parcels. “He was bred by the starter (Joe Banahan) and he’s a half-brother to Sheishybrid. His other half-brother (Athlumney Warrior) won for Michael O’Callaghan on the all-weather. It’s a good family and has been lucky for us. “He’ll mix it between the Flat and jumping and I’m hoping he might get one of the good Flat handicaps somewhere during the summer. “He’s not very big but he carried 11-12 there and he jumps brilliant. “I always said he was too small to be jumping but the first day we schooled him all he wanted to do was go. “I’m sure the better ground will be a help to him.” Quotes by Gary Carson
