On The Bridle!
Thu 28 Mar 2024
WINNER 20 OF 2024: DENEMETHY, trained by Fergal O'Brien and ridden by Paddy Brennan: 'The Blackmore Vale Hurdle 1867 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle' over 1m 7f at Wincanton.
Back after a 63 day break, after having wind surgery, the pre race focus was on the Dan Skelton trained favourite Goonhilly, last seen in the Imperial Cup at Sandown.
As they set off, Paddy steadied him up in rear, as he can take a keen hold. Making a mistake at the first, he settled and began to pick them off as the race progressed. Making good headway 3 from home, he was going still going easily at the 2nd last. Taking the lead, Paddy had time to look across to Harry Skelton and although not fluent at the last, he pulled clear to win easily, with the favourite, 4 and a 1/4 lengths back in second.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.racingtv.com/results/2024-03-27/wincanton/1600
Timeform rated it as a career best 111 performance, saying: "Was much improved to get off the mark 8 weeks on from his hurdling debut, a different proposition with a tongue strap fitted following a breathing operation, a patient ride, dropped in trip also seeming to suit a keen-goer well; dropped out, travelled powerfully, mistake first, good progress before 2 out, produced to lead before last, jumped right there, won easily; he can progress again now up and running.”
Paddy said in his Racing TV interview: "I wasn't expecting him to be up there like that, running away at the last and I told Harry Skelton to catch me if you can!”
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Well what a performance from him yesterday! The breathing operation clearly worked and well done to Fergal and his team for identifying the issue, treating him and getting him back in great form. Paddy was delighted with the feel that Denemethy gave him and thinks he could be a nice horse going forward. Many congratulations to his owners, whose patience has been rewarded and thank you for the lovely feedback!”
Great to see our friends at the RSA, working hard to promote syndicate ownership for their members, with these initiatives. Thank you team.