John Ryan and Danny Mullins with Kilcarry Bridge© Photo Healy Racing
A resolute galloping performance from Kilcarry Bridge sealed the valuable Grade B handicap hurdle at Gowran Park for John Ryan and Danny Mullins.
The 10-year-old gelding raced at the head of affairs just in front of Without Limites with the pair over 20 lengths clear of the remainder.
The chasing pack looked to have the front-runners in their grasp as the gap was reduced over the fourth last.
However, Mullins sent Kilcarry Bridge on after the third last as Without Limites cracked. High Nellie was the danger as she got much closer in second on the home bend.
Kilcarry Brige was ridden between the final two flights and readily asserted as he emphatically scored by 10 lengths in this three miler.
He was returned at 16/1 from 33/1 outsider High Nellie. She came in 10 lengths in front of Magic Of Light (12/1).
John Ryan said: “I couldn’t believe the price he was. He’s (rated) 138 over fences and 117 over hurdles and he’s better over hurdles.
"He stays three miles all day and won his point-to-point first time out, so distance is no problem. He was good.
“It’s a nice prize and hopefully the handicapper won’t be too hard on him.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
