Ebor bound Hipop outclasses his rivals in Galway opener

With Paul Townend aboard, Hipop De Loire outclassed his rivals in the opening Tote E50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Today Maiden Hurdle.

Fifth in the Ebor at York last season, the Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is the current favourite for this year's renewal.

From 6/5 in early shows for this evening's assignment, the Stawomir Pegza-owned bay eventually went off the clear favourite at 4/9.

A bit keen behind the leaders early on, he gained an outright advantage after the fourth and never saw another rival from there.

Jumping efficiently throughout, he increased his advantage after the penultimate flight and ultimately eased to an 11-length success.

Returned the second choice of punters at 4/1, Zanndabad filled the runner-up spot under Daniel King for Tony Martin, while Coded Welder (8/1) was another eight-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Held by the winner but disputing second at the time, Son Of Anarchy blundered badly at the last and was eased thereafter, eventually finishing fourth.

"He was brave enough (in his jumping) over that trip I suppose, but he was enjoying himself and looking for the next jump," Townend explained.

"After running over two-miles here last year he is probably used to going a bit faster. I think he really appreciated the step-up in trip and the benefit of the run coming here this year helped him as well.

"Coming off of the Flat, this is a different type of racing and they just go a good bit quicker early. He wasn't pulling and dragging my arms out, but I was still happy to let him go to the front once we had a couple of hurdles jumped."

“He came to us last year. He ran a cracker here in Galway and ran a really good race in the Ebor, which I think we’ll probably head back for now after that,” said Mullins.

“Looking at him jumping there he was electric for a horse having his second run over hurdles, coming from Poland. The only jumping he did was in our place.

“He was so confident in himself, just skimming the tops of the hurdles. I’d say Paul’s heart was in his mouth. You like a handicapper doing that but not a horse first time out over hurdles. He really enjoyed himself, he was loving it.

Mullins added: "It wasn't the plan to make the running but the horse just took off and, jumping as slick as he did, Paul said he let him go as he was enjoying himself.

"His Ebor run was a helluva run. Hopefully we can go back this year, get a bit more daylight and keep out of trouble.

"The owners emailed me a year-and-a-half ago and I just emailed back. Next thing these horses arrived and they are nice horses.

"We've four of them, three of them full horses and a gelding. They have lovely temperaments and we didn't geld them.

"I think he'll handle soft ground but this ground is very lively, maybe when he gets into softer ground it might be different.

"While the ground is like this we'll keep going but York is our next target."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start of this race where it appeared Premier Banner ridden by J.G. Gilligan, bucked and veered left after the race had started. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after the third last involving Aurora's Bay ridden by Mr O.T. Gilligan, unplaced, and Plomeur (FR), ridden by J.J. Slevin, pulled up, where it appeared Aurora's Bay ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. O. T. Gilligan stated that he ran short of room when the horse on his outside came back to the rail. J. J. Slevin stated that his mount jumped left and he then went back to the rail. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found J. J. Slevin, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended J. J. Slevin for two racedays.

J.G. Gilligan, rider of Premier Banner, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount bucked out of greenness and veered left after the start.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson