Florida Pearl novice chase report, reaction and free video replay: Darrens Hope springs surprise
Although a capable performer at her best, the eight-year-old mare was below par when last seen at Limerick and as a result was a 20/1 shot for this Grade Two assignment over an extended two and a quarter miles.
But she answered every call in front for Danny Mullins, and while hard pushed by Minella Crooner refused to buckle and won the day by a head, in a race that was reduced in terms of a jumping test with the fences down the back taken out due to low sun.
Unlimited race replays of all UK & Irish racing
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Log in with your existing Sporting Life, Sky Bet, or Sky Games account. If you don't have any of those, it's completely FREE to register!
“That’s mighty, it’s the best win she’s ever had. We knew that she was in great form,” said Murphy, who also owns and bred the winner.
“She has to be out in front, if she’s in behind she doesn’t want to know anything about it.
“I’ve been milking cows all my life and I’ve always had a love for horses. Since I was a child I loved horses and I’m lucky to have a good mare like her.
“Her mother was a great mare, but she’s every bit as good as her and I’m wicked lucky to have her.
“It was great to be able to come up today and run in a Grade Two, for me to breed her and train her at home. I ride her out every morning.
“She’s a great mare to eat and we don’t be too hard on her. When she’s fit, she’s fit.”
The winner holds an entry in the Troytown at Navan next weekend, and Murphy added: “We don’t know if she’ll run. We’ll see how she is after this.”
The disappointment was favourite Idas Boy, who was pulled up some way out.
- Racecards
- Fast results
- Full results and free video replays
- Horse racing news
- Horse racing tips
- Horse racing features
- Download our free iOS and Android app
- Football and other sports tips
- Podcasts and video content
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
