3 minute read

Bargain buy Rashaan maintained his unbeaten record over jumps with a convincing success in the Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Trainer Colin Kidd picked up the Manduro gelding for a mere 8,500 euros out of Mick Halford's stables at Goffs Sales in February and had already justified faith by wining his first two starts at Roscommon and Listowel.

Rashaan (5-1) took the step up to Grade Three company in his stride as he swept past the 1-2 favourite Missy Tata at the final flight before going on to score by 13 lengths under Mikey Fogarty.

Kidd said: "He was very good. He gave the filly 11lb and ran away from her. After Listowel today was always the plan, and everything has gone smoothly.

"Leopardstown at Christmas is the obvious next step, and we'll take it one race at a time from there.

"Mikey said he was cantering the whole way and he didn't want to get caught in a pocket. He's improving the whole time. The ground is no problem to him.

"At this stage he looks the top Irish juvenile hurdler. He cost only €8,500, and is a very cheap horse now.

"Victor Treacy (part-owner) has been very good to me, and he's been waiting a long time for a good horse. There have been a number of enquiries but no concrete offer, and in fairness to Victor he doesn't want to sell."

Betfred gave Rashaan a quote of 20-1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.