Young Dev (right) © Photo Healy Racing
Dour stayer Young Dev (12/1) relished the testing conditions in the David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Handicap Hurdle.
The eight-year-old grey, winning for the fifth time in his career, came from well off the pace under Mark McDonagh. He began to pick off rivals from the second-last but still had plenty to do in fifth place jumping the last as Itsnotinit made the best of his way home.
The latter weakened on the run-in, though, as Young Dev came between rivals to hit the front 75 yards out and stayed on well to account for 80/1 outsider Boss Girl by three quarters of a length with Robinstown a head further back in third. Itsnotinit held on for fourth place.
Four of the Denis Hogan-trained gelding’s victories have come on heavy ground with the other achieved on soft to heavy.
7lb claimer McDonagh said after his twelfth winner of the campaign: “It wasn't the plan to be as far back but he didn't really travel throughout the whole race.
“He's probably a bit smarter with age. Every time he passed a horse it made him go that little bit better.
“I just had to keep him quiet and try my best to get a little bit closer every time. He loves that ground.”
(GC & MN)
