Lucky 13 for quirky Firebrand Owner/trainer John Nallen’s quirky Firebrand (6/1 - 100/30) scored in first-time blinkers on his 13th attempt over jumps today, landing Galway’s opening Kenny Developments Maiden Hurdle under jockey Alan O’Sullivan. By leading Flat sire Siyouni, the six-year-old had previously finished second five times over hurdles and today set a solid pace before holding on well on the run-in, to beat staying-on En Or (7/4f) by 4.25 lengths. Nallen later quipped “magic blinkers, maybe I’ll put a pair on myself! "He deserved that as he was running honest the whole time, but just not getting home. The blinkers made a difference. “He’s highly rated so he’s hard to place and that was better than going to Plumpton, or somewhere, for a £1,500 maiden hurdle. It’s been a lucky spot for us, racing west of the Shannon is a great job. “There is a novice chase in Sligo next week or he could go to Listowel for a Flat race. He decides himself but he’s not the worst to have around the place. He was bought for another job (Flat racing) but he’s not doing us any harm and is paying his way.” Quotes from Gary Carson
