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Emerald Enigma enhances her record with first hurdle success

Emerald Enigma and Paul Townend, centreEmerald Enigma and Paul Townend, centre
© Healy Racing Photos

Willie Mullins' Emerald Enigma rallied for victory in the Meath Farm Machinery Maiden Hurdle over 2m5 at Navan.

The 4/5 favourite was strongly pressed at the final flight by C Pas Possible and indeed headed inside the final furlong, but came home home well to get up by half a length close home over the 13/2 runner-up. Master Sydney was six lengths further adrift in third at 10/1.

Paul Townend said: "I was slow at the last and I thought it might have cost me but, being Navan, you always want to keep a little bit up your sleeve even on good ground.

"She had to be good to take the opportunity the second time because I think if we jumped the last well, we might have won it a little bit more snugly.

"I'd say she will stay going now. She's not overly big and back here in February might not be her cup of tea but, the way the weather is, we will stay going, I imagine."

Emerald Enigma is now three from four comprising two bumpers and a maiden hurdle.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.