Hitak strikes for Shark Hitak relished the step back up in trip when making a winning start in handicap company at Cork this afternoon. The Lauro gelding, a three-time winner in point-to-points, had three runs over shorter in maiden hurdles and made his first start today in Shark Hanlon’s name, in the three-mile handicap hurdle. Danny Mullins had the 9/1 shot handy throughout and he kicked on before the second last flight to post a convincing four-and-three-quarter length win over Getaway Charlie. "There are four owners involved including Rachel's (O'Neill, partner) sister Charmaine and this is their first horse so I'm delighted,” said Hanlon. "He was bought out of Ellmarie Holden's and had won three point to points. He is a big horse who will make into a lovely chaser. I had been giving out about the handicapper so was only hoping he was right, and he was right.  "All the horse does is stay and Danny was very good on him but I feel sorry for Paddy (Hanlon, jockey son) who broke his thumb two days ago in Down Royal. He led up the horse today and had been doing a lot of work with him and got him jumping." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
