Stardhem back to form on first start for Eddie Power Stardhem made a winning start to life with trainer Eddie Power when staying on best to take the Gentlemen's League Fegentri World Championship (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle at Cork. Twice successful for Ben Pauling, the gelding had rather lost his way of late and, was pulled up on his most recent start at Lingfield. Obviously appreciating the change of scenery, the 10/1 chance (from 16/1) was held up in rear of the 11 runner field by Luke Barnett, before making headway to track the leaders entering the straight. Leading at the penultimate flight, the seven-year-old kept on in determined fashion to beat Cloudy Fountain by half-a-length. Barnett said: “It was great. He did everything for me really and I’m very grateful to Eddie for giving me the ride. “They went good and hard. He was just jumping well and I didn’t want break his rhythm. “He battled it out and he was very good today on the good ground. “It’s brilliant, I can’t believe it. “I’m 17 and from Tipperary. I’ve had less then ten rides and that’s my first winner today. It’s brilliant to get it.” Power said: “He’s a gorgeous looking horse, we seen him on the online sale. He.was a great mover and we said we’d take a chance on him as he was cheap. “When we got him home he gradually got a bit better and started enjoying life a bit more. We changed a few things around with him. “We stepped up to three miles today, dropped him in and hoped for the best. “I was delighted for Luke. He’s a good lad and works hard, he deserves a chance. “He’s been a bit unlucky with point-to-pointers this year, there were a couple for him to ride but different things happened and they didn’t run. I’m delighted he got his winner. “I rode a winner for his grandfather Paddy Hogan years ago. He’s only 17 and comes in riding out for me and schooling. “He’s very good over a jump, a natural. He’s a good young lad and is hardy. I’d say he’ll be going places. I’m not big enough for him so in time I’ll send him on to a bigger yard.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
