Hidden Cyclone battles to Leopardstown victory

Hidden Cyclone put up a typically game performance as he gave weight to younger rivals in the Foxrock Cup Hurdle at Leopardstown.The 12-year-old was winning for the 17th time in his career and took his earnings to nearly £450,000 with a do-or-die effort.John 'Shark' Hanlon's stable star set his stall out from the start by making the running under Danny Mullins. Though Bonbon Au Miel led over the final flight, Hidden Cyclone (11-4 favourite) found more on the run-in and wore down the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old to score by three-quarters of a length.Hanlon missed the victory as he was at a point-to-point meeting.In his absence, the winning rider said: "He made a mistake early on that you would forgive a novice for doing but not from him."He jumped a bit right afterwards, and I had to let him regain his confidence down the back. In fairness he battled really well at the death."I was half a length down after the last but was confident he would get there. He's very tough."I was third on him in the Fighting Fifth and that form line alone should have made him an odds-on shot today. Shark has done a great job with him. He has a lot of class and is fit and well."