De Bromhead enjoys a birthday bonanza at Wexford

Henry de Bromhead had an enjoyable birthday at Wexford courtesy of impressive winners Heart Wood and Inthepocket.

Firstly it was Heart Wood who came out on top as a small but select field of three contested the Michael Hickey Memorial Chase over two miles and seven furlongs.

Emmet Mullins' National Hunt Chase winner Corbetts Cross was one of the trio, with Paul Gilligan’s smart hurdler Buddy One continuing his graduation to chasing after striking first time out over fences.

Heart Wood has been jumping the larger obstacles since joining Henry de Bromhead from France and is a Grade Three winner already, with his last outing being a third-placed effort in the Mildmay at Aintree.

He was the 8-13 favourite under Darragh O’Keeffe at Listed level at Wexford and when receiving 15lb from Corbetts Cross, he skipped to a seven-length victory to kick his season off on a good note.

De Bromhead said: "I’m delighted, he is a lovely horse and he has done brilliantly.

"I’m delighted to get it for (owners) Robcour. Darragh was good on him, he jumped well and he picked up well.

"You’d have to hope he has progressed from last season, he is still a very young horse, so hopefully he will keep progressing.

"We are considering the Drinmore if he is still eligible for it, we just need to confirm that, we think he might be."

Heart Wood supports short-priced favouritism in the Michael Hickey Memorial Chase under Darragh O'Keeffe for Henry de Bromhead!