Quinta Do Lago 'just loves jumping' Jessica Harrington's Quinta Do Lago, who won an Academy Hurdle in Cork, followed up with a gritty display in the Total Event Rental 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. The 6/5 favourite soon tracked Combs and was in close attendance at the penultimate flight, however, the leader jumped it better and Quinta Do Lago soon came off the bridle. He looked in trouble racing to the last as Combs attempted to go for home with Ole Ole staying on for Kieren Buckley. Quinta Do Lago rallied for Donagh Meyler, though, and was the meat in the sandwich between Combs on the inner and Ole Ole on the outer as the trio tackled the last in virtual unison. In the closing stages, Quinta Do Lago showed his determination as he took over and kept on best to beat Ole Ole (6/1) by a length with Combs a length and a-half away in third at 5/1. Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: “I was a little worried that he lacked that bit of experience against horses from the Flat. “He looked like he was beaten turning in, but he put his head down and came through a tight gap between horses. “He just loves jumping and Donagh said he’s only going to keep on improving. “Fair play to the team who have had a lot of patience with him. He had a setback as a two-year-old and it’s all paid dividends now. “When the Academy Hurdles came out we said we’re not going to run on the Flat and we’d wait for that. “We’ll take baby steps and he may go for a winners of one at Fairyhouse after Christmas. “We’re going to aim towards Cheltenham, but we’ll see how he comes out of this first.” Paddy Power gave Quinta Do Lago a first show of 50/1 for the Triumph Hurdle. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
