Kaitlyn rides first winner as Eagle Fang takes Killarney nightcap

Amateur jockey Kaitlyn Ryan rode her first career winner when getting up close home on Eagle Fang to take the closing Thorn Plant Hire (Q.R.) Maiden at Killarney.

Runner-up to Gaoth Chuil (winner of the previous race) at Leopardstown last time, the Bill Durkan trained gelding was gaining an overdue success.

Tracking the leaders for much of the race, the 15/8f was hard at work over a furlong out, as Sunny South West kicked from the front.

Gradually closing the gap inside the final furlong, Eagle Fang got up close home for a one-and-a-half length win.

Assistant Gary Bannon said:- “I think we were probably unlucky in Leopardstown. The horses were wide apart on the track and he probably seen them a little bit late.

“Obviously Ted’s horse has backed up the form in the previous race.

“He’s been in a long time but never really had his ground all year. He’s been brilliant all season from Aintree back to Haydock.

“He just wasn’t enjoying fences. The plan was to go back for the Galway Plate but he didn’t jump well enough in Listowel so we said we’d give the Flat campaign a go.

“He’ll probably get an entry in the Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap and maybe the 100 grand two-mile-six on the Saturday.

“I suppose down the line I wouldn’t mind travelling him a bit, he likes that quick ground and maybe the American Grand National in Far Hills.

“I’d love to bring a horse out there, Bill brought them a long time ago. I think with his rating and the ground he could like that place.”

Quotes by Gary Carson.