Le Coq Hardi off the mark over fences in fortunate circumstances The Henry De Bromhead trained Le Coq Hardi registered a first win over fences in somewhat fortunate circumstances when landing the opening T. Murray & Son Ltd. Beginners Chase at Kilbeggan. Prominent throughout under Mike O'Connor, the 1/1f headed Impero between the final two fences but looked to face a stiff challenge as Glen To Glen loomed up on his outside turning for home. However, the latter hung badly left approaching the final fence, before eventually running out without jumping it. Le Coq Hardi kept on well on the run-in to beat Londonofficecallin by three-and-a-quarter lengths. Robbie Power said: “He deserved that, he had a good run the last day in Limerick and was probably beaten by a very smart horse there. “This looked like a good opportunity for him and I’m delighted for the owners, and delighted for the horse to get his head in front over fences. “He can jump a lot better than that, he was a bit careful at times which is not like him. He’s usually a very good jumper. He stuck at it well and I’m delighted to see that. “He ran a decent race last year in the Kerry National, he stays three miles as well, so we’ll look at some of those handicaps later in the year see where we end up.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
