Whipper's Boy and Andrew Lynch© Photo Healy Racing
Despite going off a 10/1 chance Whipper's Boy (first time tongue strap) certainly didn't go un-backed in the JJ Byrne Subaru Maiden Hurdle at Wexford – from 14s on track and bigger this morning – and he got the job done under Andrew Lynch.
Denis Cullen 's charge had the benefit of handicap experience and the Epsom maiden scorer from the summer of 2012, when with Brian Meehan, landed this two miler by two and a half lengths from the pace-setting Burseldon (bad mistake at the last).
Cullen explained: "We've had a few issues with him jumping and he has always been a bit sticky. The last twice I ran him over the plastic hurdles and he just didn't enjoy it at all.
“He was a bit awkward over the first few today but he warmed into the race. It was grand to get that today. He is a highly rated flat horse but he has been disappointing.
“He has won nicely today and hopefully he can improve from it. I think no hurdle in the straight was a big help to him. The final hurdle was causing problems during the year (where it was previously positioned), horses were just diving at it for no reason and I was glad to see it gone today.
“He was able to use his flat speed. We bought him this time last year and I'm delighted for his owners who have been patient with him. He is owned by Tom Furlong, Matty Corcoran, Kevin Higgins and Paul Maher."
The Stewards requested a report from Denis W. Cullen, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Whipper's Boy, winner, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that this horse was tried in a visor last time which didn't appear to work and a tongue strap was applied today, in what looked an ordinary race. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(DM & EM)
