The feature race of the Killarney four day July Festival, the Sheahans Bar Killorglin Handicap Hurdle over two miles and six furlongs, went the way of Sebadee for trainer Ken Condon and rider Eddie O'Connell, who was completing a double on the card, after scoring aboard Darenjan earlier in the evening.
The three time winner before today, raced in mid-division for much of the race, making progress from before the straight. He took up the lead before the second last, where he made a slight mistake and was well clear at the last where he made a bad mistake.
However, he recovered quickly from that and stayed on well to record an easy nine length win. Gormanstown Cuckoo at 8/1 was second for trainer Colin Murphy and jockey David Casey, while the 4/1 favourite Define was a further two and a half lengths back in third.
Winning trainer Ken Condon, who was recording his third winner in two days, said afterwards: "He gave us a scare at the last. My heart was in my mouth.
"I thought he travelled better than any other horse at Listowel on his last start but he cut out then.
"After that run he had laser palate surgery. It was a non-invasive procedure, so he only missed two to three weeks training from that. The proof is in his eating!
"We will see what the handicapper does next, but he may go to the Galway Festival next for the handicap hurdle he was third in last year.
"He loved that ground, its really nice jumping ground."
Donal Murphy
