Adamantly Chosen © Photo Healy Racing
No worries whatsoever for odds-on backers of Adamantly Chosen (3/10 fav) in the two-mile maiden hurdle as last year’s Goff Land Bumper winner made all under Paul Townend for a facile 27 length victory. Barbados tried to go with the market leader but could make no impression after three out and a blunder at the last saw him lose second place to ListentillItellyea on the run-in.
The victorious five-year-old, a three-parts brother to John Ryan’s 13-time winner Kylecrue, was getting off the mark on his third start over hurdles after finding one too good in races at Fairyhouse and Cork.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins, completing a short-priced double after Gentleman de Mee in the opener, said: "Paul said he was very green in front but he learned a lot today, even after two hurdle runs. His fitness made the difference and he appreciates the drier ground, rather than real winter ground.
"We'll look for another type of novice and he can go out in trip. We'll look for races at home and the Michael Purcell Hurdle back here (over 2m5f on Feb 24th) could be a good option for him - over a longer trip he wouldn't have to make the running."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
