Mento Gets Off the Mark in Kilbeggan The Thomas Cooper-trained Mento (10/1) was the winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle for jockey Shane O'Callaghan. Having disappointed previously in bumpers, a first start over hurdles seemed to ignite a spark in the four-year-old son of Karaktar as he showed a good attitude to stay ahead of his rivals on the run-in to win by 3/4 of a length. Speaking after the race, trainer Thomas Cooper said: “It was a lovely start over hurdles and it’s nice to get my first winner for Paul Byrne,” said Cooper. “He was a bit disappointing in his bumpers, I thought he was a bit better. “I did say to Paul to give him one more chance as he loves jumping. He said ‘he’d want to improve a good bit’ but it’s amazing what a jump can do to a horse. “He dossed a bit in front but he’s only four and was taking on older horses there so it was a fair performance. “There are some lovely novice races over a bit of a trip and he could even end up in Galway.” (Quotes from Gary Carson)
