Fastnet Crystal up and running over flights Fastnet Crystal enjoyed her hurdle debut in the ITBA (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick as she justified 13/8 favouritism. Joseph O'Brien's charge chased the leaders and closed two out. She challenged and disputed over the last and soon led on the run-in. From there, she stayed on well to put six and a half lengths on runner-up Mercurial Sea (7/1). Cool Native was just under three lengths further back in third at 11/4. Jockey Richie Deegan said: "We were going to jump out and ride her straightforwardly, but we were swept off our feet a little bit early, so we just had to give her a chance. "She jumped like a buck. I schooled her a couple of weeks ago and she is very good. She's a mare that definitely was fancied coming here. "Going out on the last circuit, we were starting to pass a couple and she was starting to really enjoy it. After going such a gallop, there was no panic. They were going quick enough and a few of them were after having plenty of chances. I was hoping I had more underneath me. "Her run in the bumper in Thurles (second) was very good, so any reproduction of that was going to be good enough today. "We are hoping there will be plenty of good days with her. "It is good ground, but it is lovely and safe - they have done a great job with it." When asked if he thinks she could turn into a really decent hurdler, he replied: "I think so, if she keeps coming forward."
