Huntsgrove snatches it to complete double for Ryan & King There was a dramatic conclusion to the Enda McGoldrick Plant & Agri Hire Maiden Hurdle, with Huntsgrove just prevailing to complete a double for John Ryan and Daniel King. The front-running Grandy Lane looked set to score approaching the last, but he blundered at that obstacle, with his rider Keith Donoghue then losing his whip in the closing stages. Hampered at the first before soon settling behind the leaders, the bay victor wasn't fluent two out and was soon ridden. Appearing held approaching the last, he ultimately found plenty for pressure on the run-in, getting up in the final strides to prevail by a head. Placed five times in eight previous starts, the successful son of Kalanisi certainly wasn't winning out of turn and he was returned the clear favourite at 5/6 (11/8 early). The aforementioned Grandy Lane ultimately had to settle for second at 40/1, while Whiskey On Ice (12/1), who was also hampered at the first, was another six-lengths away in third. "Everything went wrong in the race, he was nearly brought down at the first, but he said he won snug in the end," Ryan, who was earlier successful with Kate Knows Best, commented. "He's an iron horse. Most horses after what happened at the first and being shuffled back they are out of the race. "He's a good horse, you’ll see him in good novice hurdles. Three miles is his trip. "His dam is an own-sister to Grangeclare Lark so he has the pedigree. I love Kalanisis, I think they are proper racehorses." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident close to the line involving Grandy Lane, ridden by K.M. Donoghue, placed second, and Huntsgrove, ridden by D. King, placed first, where it appeared the two horses came close together. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Kinturk Nelson, trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had a trickle of blood on one of his nostrils on pulling up. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer. * J.G. Gilligan, rider of Mystical Sandmason, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran out. * P. Hanlon, rider of Whiskey On Ice, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered at the first. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied the incident was as a result of Welcome Back jumping awkwardly into the path of Whiskey On Ice and unseating his rider. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
