Kildare trainer Jessica Harrington added the Grade 1 BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle to her growing list of notable wins on Saturday afternoon when Supasundae sprang a surprise and beat Willie Mullins' favourite Faugheen, who has now endured two worrying performances at Leopardstown in the space of six weeks.
Supasundae was available at odds as long as 16/1 trackside before the race, but eventually went off as an 8/1 outsider behind the 9/10 favourite Faugheen. With Robbie Power on board, the eight-year-old Galileo-bred star tracked the Paul Townend-ridden Faugheen who set the early pace. He eventually made a break late in the race and stayed on well, finish just over two lengths ahead of Faugheen and Mick Jazz in third.
Speaking after the win, a delighted Harrington said;
“I thought it would be a bit too quick for him over two miles. I only came here as a prep run for the three-mile hurdle at Cheltenham, and to win this is some prep run!
“Robert was sure that when he had Faugheen in his sights at the last that he would stay every inch of the way, and he did. When he got to the front he was only pricking his ears.
“He’s only in the three-mile hurdle at Cheltenham so that’s where he will be going. He won over 2m5f there last year, and we ran here to try and get him jumping quick. We know he stays so that’s why we are going for the three-mile race.
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