Identity Thief steals Leopardstown opener

A review of the rest of the action from Leopardstown where Identity Thief opened his hurdling account at the first attempt.

Identity Thief created a good impression when making a winning debut over jumps in the At The Races Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained four-year-old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, followed up his bumper success at Fairyhouse with a stylish display under Bryan Cooper.

Leading before the final flight, Identity Thief (7/4) shrugged off the attentions of the 6/4 favourite Snow Falcon to score by half-a-length. The pair pulled nicely clear of Okotoks in third.

"I'm delighted. He jumped well," said de Bromhead.

"Bryan thought maybe a faster pace would suit him and we might drop him back and try the Deloitte here in February. We'll see how he goes after that.

"He was impressive in his bumper and kept the dream alive here today. He's a really nice young horse to have.

"The ground was pretty nice when he won his bumper and I'd say he pretty adaptable.

"Bryan said he didn't really want him winging the second last and getting there too soon so when he fluffed it he got a nice lead into the straight."

Usuel Smurfer (20/1) gamely fought off Off The Charts to cause a surprise in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).

Whatuthink led the field to the turn for home where he was swamped by a host of challengers headed by John Hanlon's six-year-old.

Usuel Smurfer, owned by Barry Connell, was driven out by Adrian Heskin to win by two and a quarter lengths. Zabana was third and Dara Tango fourth.

"That was lovely. Coming here I was very much afraid of the ground," said Hanlon.

"He could go for the Pertemps at Cheltenham, we'll see what weight he gets. He might have to go for another one.

"We'll stick him in a handicap and if he gets a nice weight, he'll go straight to Cheltenham. The better ground in Cheltenham will be a big plus for him.

"Hopefully he'll get a nice mark at the bottom of the weights. It was great to get one here."

Shemshal (4/1 favourite) struck gold for trainer Tony Martin and jockey Ruby Walsh in the Irish Daily Star Christmas Novice Handicap Hurdle.

"It's great. I'm delighted for the man who bought him. He bought him off Bill Moffett, who had a few too many horses. He recommended him to Dermot (Kilmurray) so it's worked out well," said Martin.

"It was typical Walsh. You're halfway there when you have him on your side.

"He can mix it. He won over a mile in Bellewstown and was placed in a good race at the Curragh.

"We'll get him home and enjoy today before making any plans."

Willie Mullins was on target in the Thornton's Recycyling INH Flat Race with Up For Review (9/10 favourite) in the hands of his son, Patrick.

Sky Bet make the winner 12/1 for the Champions Bumper at Cheltenham.