O'Brien pays tribute to Kavanagh after Los Blanco victory Los Blanco, in the first-time tongue-strap, finished well to land the Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal for Henry de Bromhead. The 5/4 favourite, who was prominent early, came with his run to pick it up after two out and kept on well along the run-in to score by two and a-quarter lengths from Dunleer Crystal (22/1). Champagne Jury was another three lengths away at 13/8. Jockey Paddy O'Brien, in the Robcour colours, said: "Henry was very straightforward - he said just to keep it simple and ride an ordinary race on him, and see how it panned out. "I was a bit to the pin of me collar the whole way around to be honest. I just thought I'd sit and give him a chance - thankfully, it worked. "He was rated 119 and he set the standard I thought. He picked them off fairly easily and was a good, strong winner at the line. "There was plenty left there, so hopefully he is progressive and keeps improving. "I can't thank my agent Garry Cribbin enough and everyone who is supporting me. "Thoughts and prayers for Paul Kavanagh's family today." Jockey Paul Kavanagh passed away after a recent car crash. Jockeys wore black armbands in remembrance of Paul.
