Mephisto makes most of circumstances to win first jumps race A three-time scorer on the Flat, the Ger Keane trained Mephisto made the most of the opportunity that presented itself to win Division l of the Traynors Of Wexford Handicap Hurdle at Wexford. Coming into the race a 16-race maiden over hurdles, the grey wasn't amongst the leading fancies for this race with the layers. However, as the low lying sun forced officials to doll off the final two flights in the home straight, the race suddenly favoured a horse with proven Flat form. Shane Fitzgerald rode a patient waiting race on the 11/1 chance, working his way through the field to track the leaders entering the straight. Heading Teenage Kiss over a furlong out, Mephisto stayed on well to score by two-and-a-half lengths. Gerry Keane said: “It’s been a long time coming with that fella over jumps. He’s a bit of a rogue. When he turns up he’s grand but he minds himself. “He’s won two on the Flat for us as well. “At home his jumping is brilliant, but he got a few falls and used to step at one now and again. I think he’s handicapped over fences as well, so he’ll probably mix it and can run over two miles at Dundalk as well.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
