Naturally Nimble registers 33-1 shock at Fairyhouse

Naturally Nimble caused an upset when ousting Willy De Houelle in the Bar One Racing “Price Boosts Across All Channels” Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The latter horse was the 1-4 favourite as he made his Irish debut for Willie Mullins in the Grade Three, with Joseph O’Brien’s Naturally Nimble a 33-1 chance having been well beaten on his hurdling debut.

His prior Flat form was reasonable, however, and his pedigree an interesting one as he is a half-brother to the German Group-winning sprinter Namos.

Under Richard Deegan he travelled towards the rear of the six-strong field, and when drawing level with the favourite in the final stages, he was able to show his turn of foot to secure victory by a length and a half.

“He disappointed us a little bit last week so we said we’d hunt around here and see. He did it well,” said Deegan.

“They went a good gallop and the race probably fell apart a little bit in front of us and we were there to pick up the pieces. He stayed at it well.

“He was at a high level on the Flat, so hopefully he can keep coming along. He wants that nice ground.”

Naturally Nimble is now a 20-1 chance with Coral for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.