Highland Realm collars front-running Chasing Blues in Wexford Highland Realm got up in the shadow of the post to reel in Chasing Blues in the opening Kilmore Quay (C & G) Maiden Hurdle over an extended two-miles at Wexford. Chasing Blues set out to make every yard a winning one and had broken clear of the field with a tracking Game Point and Highland Realm four out. Game Point was less than fluent there in a round of jumping that wasn't his best, but he still retained second place. Penny Express and Owl's Delight attempted to get nearer the front three after the third-last flight, but fifth-running Owl's Delight was soon dropped. Chasing Blues, down in trip, was still galloping away swinging for home. Game Point then blundered two out which enabled Highland Realm to grab second. Highland Realm flicked through the top of the last, and still had a couple of lengths to find on Chasing Blues on the run-in, however, he dug deep for Brian Hayes (spare ride) to get up close home by three-quarters of a length at 7/2. The game runner-up went off at 11/4 and was three-and-a-half-lengths clear of 11/10 favourite Game Point who had no more to give after the last. Highland Realm was second in a Tramore bumper and fifth on hurdle debut at Bellewstown for Willie Mullins. Hayes said: "Unfortunately Sean (O'Keeffe, declared rider) got a kick in Ballinrobe on Tuesday, so is on the sidelines for a while. "This horse came on loads jumping-wise from the last day, and he was good and slick today. His jumping didn't help him the last day, but he likes that good ground and is an improving type. "Darragh (O'Keeffe) set good fractions on the leader Chasing Blues. I was able to aim at him and I was impressed with the way my horse put his head down and wanted it." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
