Santo Sospir toughs it out in Punchestown Santo Sospir worked hard to get the better of Barley Lane in the Sebden Steel Maiden Hurdle over an extended two-miles-three-furlongs at Punchestown. Barley Lane was always to the fore and disputed the lead with Crystal Gold before grabbing the initiative after three out. Santo Sospir was soon sent after him by Jack Kennedy and they headed Barley Lane before the final obstacle. The new leader jumped left over the last, but Barley Lane (18/1) was far from done with on his inner. He battled on the run-in, but gave best by a length to the 11/8 favourite trained by Gordon Elliott. There was a gap of nine and a-half lengths back to Crystal Gold at 11/1. Assistant trainer Lisa O’Neill said: “He was good and toughed it out really well from the back of the last. Jack said he lost a bit of momentum when he pricked his ears and ran around a bit at the last. He said he’s still a bit green. “He’s obviously stepped forward from Wexford (fourth) and hopefully he’ll be a nice novice going forward. “I think further will definitely suit him and he handles those ground conditions, so he’ll have loads of options for the winter. Hopefully, he can step up to graded level.” Santo Sospir was trimmed from 33/1 to 25/1 for the Albert Bartlett by Paddy Power. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
