Kemboy (Paul Townend) leads over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Kemboy a first fence faller in the Boylesports Irish Grand National last week, made amends when taking the featured Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase at Limerick.
The Grade 3 event was reduced to five runners in the absence of Youcantcallherthat (in season) and Tycoon Prince (going), and Kemboy was sent off the 5/4 favourite.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, previously fourth to Shattered Love in the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, was prominent throughout and drew clear along with Tombstone approaching the straight.
Paul Townend ’s mount edged ahead after two out and held a three lengths advantage when Tombstone blundered at the last.
Kemboy eventually came home eight lengths clear, with Twiss’s Hill a further 19 lengths back in third.
Townend said, "It was more straightforward than the last time I rode him (blundered spectacularly at the final fence when winning at Fairyhouse) and he jumped well on the whole.
"It's very tough work out there and he galloped all the way to the line. They were strung out like the washing behind me."
Regarding the trip he added, "We didn't find out much the last day but he stayed three miles there and you're not going to get harder work than that ground. He has done his job today and it's nice to get him back in front."
(TW & AM)
