Rusty Harkness makes the breakthrough under O'Keeffe

A horse who had run well in some stronger races over the winter, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Rusty Harkness deservedly opened his account when staying on strongly to win the Hurley Family Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Sent off 5/6 favourite under Darragh O'Keeffe, the gelding tracked the leaders in the early stages of the three-mile contest.

Travelling strongly going out on the final circuit, O'Keeffe's mount went on with three to jump. A little awkward at the last, the six-year-old was ridden out to win by four-and-a-quarter lengths from Clone Cross

Stable representative Robbie Power commented "Delighted to get that. He was entitled to win his maiden. He had some good runs.

"Delighted for Kenny (Alexander); he's a homebred as well which makes it even more important to win.

"You can see by him, he's a big chaser in the making. I'd say we'll be going over fences, sooner rather than later."https://www.irishracing.com/news/rusty-harkness-makes-the-breakthrough-under-okeeffe/266195