SONG HITS THE WINNING NOTE

Karl Hedley sees Some drama at last fence for Henry's maiden ex-pointer

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The Henry de Bromhead trained Some Song made a winning Rules debut in rather fortunate circumstances when left clear at the final flight to take the opening Irish maiden hurdle over two and three-quarter miles at Down Royal.

Sent off as the second favourite under Darragh O'Keeffe, the former point-to-point winner looked a well beaten third as he laboured on the approach to the final flight.

However, with market leader Theflyingking falling at that obstacle, bringing down second placed stablemate Kazansky in the process, the way was left clear for Some Song to pick up the pieces.

Henry de Bromhead said: “We were fortunate winners, obviously, but he’s a nice horse.

“Darragh said he just got a bit tired after he jumped the third last and they just quickened away from him.

“I am delighted for Mike Roden, his first winner, and he is one of the owners of the racecourse. We said we would come up and give him a run, and didn’t think we would be winning, but there you go - happy days, we are delighted!”

“The plan was to find a horse that could hopefully win up here, one day not on the first day!

“We'll see how we go after that.”

Full Of Life made all over the extended two-miles in the Grade 3 Irish EBF Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle to spring somewhat of a surprise.

The Great Pretender mare sealed doubles for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O'Keeffe who also landed the opening maiden hurdle through Some Song.

She was tracked throughout by even-money-favourite Carrigmoornaspruce who challenged her two out, however, the leader was nothing if not resolute and she kept on best along the run-in to score by a length and a-quarter.

“Delighted, fair play to Roger (Kissane, owner) as he suggested it,” De Bromhead said.