Gary Halpin celebrates a victory on Kelinni© Photo Healy Racing
Kelinni wrapped up day one of Irish Champions Weekend with an all the way success in the seven furlong 'Sovereign Path' handicap at Leopardstown.
Gary Halpin bounced him away smartly from the stalls and took up the early running. The 4/1 favourite, trained in Yorkshire by Kevin Ryan, had the field hard at work turning for home.
He was clear under two furlongs out and was ridden by Halpin inside the final furlong to go on and win his race. He took the 90,000 euro prize by a length and three quarters.
Another Yorkshire-based handler, Richard Fahey, took second with Withernsea (11/2) who flashed home well. Each way punters got a place dividend with 16/1 shots Seanie and Colour Blue in third and fourth respectively.
Gary Halpin said: "It was straightforward. He should have won in York and I probably went a stride too fast. He was in front half a furlong down and got collared late on.
"I thought after York this was tailor-made and he got the rain just in time.
"Kevin does a great job with his horses and has been good to me in the last couple of weeks. I can't be more grateful."
Kelinni was popular before racing as he was backed from 10/1 to 5/1.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
