The jumps horse racing season is well underway and we had a Laois winner on the track in Clonmel this week.
On Tuesday, Eve’s Hope, at odds of 20/1, claimed the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Handicap Hurdle.
The Laois connection comes from the owner who is also the trainer – Mark Quigley who is also a farmer.
From Ballacolla, Eve’s Hope carried the blue and yellow colours of Clough-Ballacolla.
Ridden by James Smith, Eve’s Hope was friendless in the market as it drifted out from odds of 12/1 from first showing.
Hitting the front two fences from the finish, Eve’s Hope stayed on well to see off odds-on favourite Giant Haystacks in second.
Speaking to IrishRacing.com afterwards, Quigley said: “We had her operated for her wind and (she) has improved a lot from it.
“We always thought a lot of her, but had been disappointing on her last couple of runs.
“She always worked well at home, but at Cork the last day she didn’t get home over 2m4f.
“He (Smith) said she idled when she hit the front and hopefully she can improve from that.
“There’s a race for her at Limerick over Christmas next. I bought her as a foal for two grand and has won a pot today.
“I’m a farmer, train for a few friends of mine and have 12 or 13 in.”
Eve’s Hope wins today’s opening contest, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle in the hands of James Smith, for trainer Mark Quigley@TheAdareManor pic.twitter.com/Ep2BRPl3AK
— ClonmelRaces (@ClonmelR) December 3, 2024
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