Ocovango Mare Goes One Better Over Hurdles

Paidi’s Passion (6m Ocovango - Benefitthewest, by Beneficial) built on a promising rules debut to take the Mares’ Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe on Monday.

Third in a point-to-point last season, the David Christie-trained mare caught the eye when finishing second in a maiden hurdle earlier this month and stepped up to two miles and six furlongs on her latest start. Sam Ewing held the bay up behind the leaders, pushing her along from three out and made headway from the following flight. Producing a challenge at the last, she kept on well to lead close home and won by half a length.

Owned and bred by Sean Gerard Duke, Paidi’s Passion becomes the first winner out of the mare Benefitthewest.