Hallowed Star cruises in© Photo Healy Racing
Jody McGarvey took both divisions of the Larry O'Farrelly Memorial Maiden Hurdle in Roscommon as Hallowed Star enjoyed a facile success in the second split.
McGarvey's mount readily raced past free-going and left-jumping Powerful Out after the third last and tanked away on the bridle two out.
McGarvey didn't have to exert his arms as Hallowed Star eased clear before the last. He jumped that one to the left but had plenty in hand as he strode in by an easy seven lengths at 7/4 for Shark Hanlon. We'll Go Again (13/2) came through for second by six lengths from a weakening Powerful Out (13/8f).
Hanlon said: “It was a summer maiden hurdle and I'd say it was a bad race.
“I'm just glad to get his head in front because I've found it so hard to win with him over hurdles.
“I'd say he won't get into Galway as he's too low.
“He'll jump a fence in time but it's taken so long to win over hurdles with him. He's just not a winter horse but probably wants a good cut in the ground so it's Catch 22.
“All I wanted to do was get his head in front and we've done it today.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
