Kilkishen and Brian Hayes (nearest) just get up to beat Cecil Corbett and Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
Kilkishen and Brian Hayes just got up to beat Cecil Corbett in the www.kilkennypembrokehotel.com Maiden Hurdle.
The John 'Shark' Hanlon trained gelding won a bumper at Kilbeggan on his penultimate start at Kilbeggan before finishing second on his next start at Listowel.
Making his debut over hurdles this afternoon he was sent off at 9/2 (was 5/2 last night) in the colours of Sean Hehir.
Having attempted to make all he was ridden and pressed before two out. He was headed after that flight and was squeezed for room on the run to the last.
He was soon switched to the outer and came with a renewed effort on the run, just getting up to win by a nose.
Cecil Corbett was the one he just deny. That fellow was returned the 6/4 favourite under Bryan Cooper for Gordon Elliott. Pack The Punch (7/4 from 2's on-course) completed the placings a further two and a half lengths back in third under Danny Mullins for Des McDonogh.
Hanlon said afterwards: "That was a good performance for a horse having his first run over hurdles. He's tough, and it took Brian half way down the back straight to pull him up. He wants three miles.
"I shouldn't have run him the last day on heavy ground at Listowel but you learn by your mistakes. Brian gave him a super ride.
"He could be going to the sales but hopefully not and he stays with me."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
