Step up in trip works out well for Hogan's Hero Hopeful Hero (7/2) cruised into contention early in the straight in Clonmel’s novice handicap hurdle over two miles, seven furlongs and led from two out to beat Kashchei two and a half lengths. A maiden winner at Bellewstown in the summer, the Ravens Pass gelding was taking a marked step up in trip and completed a double for rider Donagh Meyler “He’s always been a nice horse, but it took him a while to mature,” said winning trainer Tom Hogan. “Even when he hit the front there, he lost his concentration a bit jumping. He can jump very well, but he fluffed the last two. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, it was just about getting his mind right and getting him going. It’s taken a long time. “Darren and John at home have done a great job with him, because he started off being a very free horse. “There are a wonderful bunch of lads ((Cool Out Again Syndicate) in him and I’m delighted for them. “He’ll jump fences and he’s a nice horse. “He wants good ground but he’ll go on loose, soft, ground but not on heavy ground. He has too much speed for heavy ground.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
