Richie Deegan relishing new opportunities as Global Equity shines

Thursday: Thurles

Joseph O'Brien managed to get a nice pipe-opener into Global Equity in a charity race at the Curragh last week, and on her first start over hurdles since 2021 she turned the 2m4½f mares' handicap hurdle into a procession.

A good novice hurdler two seasons ago, she was a winner over fences early last season before running respectably when upped in class. Dropping into handicap company was manna from heaven and she did not spurn the opportunity.

Ridden by Richie Deegan, she made virtually all and when Deegan quickened the pace she had all her rivals in trouble. The winning margin of eight lengths over Rebel Early did not reflect her true superiority.

Deegan said: "She was in her comfort zone the whole way. That Curragh run seemed to sharpen her up nicely – she jumped and travelled and did it well. JJ Slevin told me she can be a little bit behind the bridle, but with the run behind her she travelled that bit better."

It was only the jockey's second ride for O'Brien and he said: "I started going into him for a few days during the summer when things were a bit quiet. It's very nice to get chances like this."

Elliott gearing up

Gordon Elliott will be looking to repeat the level of dominance he showed last year at Down Royal's two-day meeting and a short-priced double was a timely reminder of the stable form.

Jack Kennedy had to work on the Gigginstown-owned Favori De Champdou in the 2m7½f maiden hurdle. Runner-up Silver Gazette looked like throwing down a serious challenge coming to the final flight but the winner found plenty to score by three and three-quarter lengths. It was a good performance as Favori De Champdou had been off the track for a year.

"I thought he would need it but he did everything right and Jack gave him a grand ride. He looked big in the ring but he jumped great. I would imagine he'll go chasing now," said Elliott.

The double was completed when Jamie Codd partnered 1-4 shot Demandrivingdouvan to a workmanlike success in the bumper.

Elliott said: "He's a grand horse. He could have done with more of a lead – he had to roll on when the second horse ran off the bend.

"Jamie said he didn't do a tap once he got to the front. I wasn't even thinking of this race until I saw it, I nearly had to run him. He'll go straight over hurdles now."

Results, replays and analysis

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