Heartbreak Kid Kicks Off Tremendous Few Days For Getaway

Heartbreak Kid (5g Getaway - Bella’s Bury, by Overbury) proved his ability over hurdles when running out an easy winner of Thursday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Sedgefield.

The Donald McCain-trained bay came with a point to prove, having been left in front by the odds-on favourite over course and distance last season, but clearly had the confidence of Brian Hughes, who rode him to make all. Pushed along from two out, he soon went clear and kept on well to score by 12 lengths in comfortable fashion.

Owned by TG Leslie, it wasn’t Heartbreak Kid’s first impressive performance, having won a four-year-old maiden at Kirkistown by 30 lengths. Bred by Finian Magner, he provides an important update for his half-brother by Leading Light, who is entered in next month’s Goffs December NH Sale.

Getaway’s success continued the following day, when a winning chase debut by Assemble (6g Getaway - Annaghbrack, by Rudimentary) kicked off a double on the Fairyhouse card for the Grange Stud sire.

Graded-placed over hurdles, the Joseph O’Brien-trained bay made his return over two miles and five furlongs and was ridden to track the leaders by Rachael Blackmore. Improving into third with three to jump, he was pushed along to lead after the second last and kept on well on the run-in to hold off Opposites Attract by three parts of a length, drawing 12 lengths clear of the field.

Brendan Powell, assistant trainer to O’Brien, later commented, “Assemble jumped very well. He's a very honest horse and it was a lovely start.” Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, the €100,000 store purchase was bred by Richard and Caroline Mathias.

Later that afternoon, the Emmet Mullins-trained Sneaky Getaway (7g Getaway - Aguida, by Kahyasi) made all to win the two and a half mile novice hurdle by two and a half lengths.

The talented dual-purpose performer is now two from two over hurdles, while he has another two flat wins and two bumper victories to his name. Owned by Mrs Margaret O’Rourke and E Hogan, he was bred by MW and Mrs M Doran.

Meanwhile, over at Southwell, a step up in trip saw Barbados Buck’s (5g Getaway - Buck’s Blue, by Epervier Blue) gain his first success over hurdles for Paul Nicholls and the Stewart Family.

A €210,000 purchase following his sole point-to-point start for Richard Black, the bay made a promising return to action last month when finishing second in a maiden hurdle. Stepping up to an extended three miles on his second hurdle start, he raced prominently under Bryony Frost and joined the leader approaching the penultimate flight. Soon in front, he went clear on the run-in and won by two and quarter lengths.

The son of Getaway was bred by Philip Hore Junior and is a half-brother to Listed-winning chaser More Buck’s.