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Kennady relishes mud for shock bumper win

Kennady (Mikey Doran) takes the bumperKennady (Mikey Doran) takes the bumper
© Photo Healy Racing

Kennady caused a major surprise when lowering the colours of odds-on newcomer Pearl Diamond in the four-runner Clonmel Oil Slan Abhaile bumper.

Pearl Diamond was sent off at 4/7 to complete a treble on the day for Willie Mullins, successful earlier with Champagne Fever in the featured Clonmel Oil Chase and Killultagh Vic in the maiden hurdle, but punters were in for a shock.

Mikey Doran made most of the running on the 20/1 shot, and gained a vital advantage over a furlong out.

Paul Nolan 's charge was looking for the line in the closing stages as the favourite closed the gap to a diminishing half a length at the post. Railway Rule was a further seven lengths back in third.

The winner failed to trouble the judge in three previous outings (2 bumpers/1 hurdle) all on better ground.

Nolan said, ""I thought he was a certainty! Honestly though we thought an awful lot of him before he ran (on debut) at Killarney but I've never been as disappointed with a horse as he made a total fool out of us.

"He works like a very, very good horse but his runs have been horrendous. Maybe he travels much easier on that heavy ground though."

(TW & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.