Freedom strikes again for Kinirons The Andrew Kinirons-trained Lips Freedom bagged back-to-back wins with a gutsy performance in the Kerry Drains Handicap Hurdle at Killarney. The Free Eagle gelding opened his jumping account at Downpatrick in late March and went to post 5/1 favourite today on his return from a little break. Donagh Meyler sent his mount to the front after the second last in the two-mile-one contest and he repelled the late charge of Midnight Eagle by a length to land the spoils. “That was very good. He’s probably well handicapped on his Flat form and he’s starting to come together,” said Kinirons. “Donagh was very good on him. He used to be very keen but he’s starting to settle now. “We gave him a bit of a break as we were aiming for Galway with him. There is a nice race there on the Saturday, it’s kind of the consolation race for the Galway Hurdle. “We had this in mind as it was good timing. He’ll probably come on a little bit for the run, I’d say he got a bit tired there. “They put plenty of water on and it’s lovely safe ground. “I’m delighted for John (Rowney), he’s a great supporter of ours. I think he’s going to be a nice horse back on the Flat as well. “He did it well today and he’s starting to learn. Once he settles he should start to show his ability. “He has plenty of pace so I think Galway could suit him. They go hard there and he’ll have the pace, I hope, and the tactical speed to travel.”
