Kilbree Warrior © Photo Healy Racing
Kilbree Warrior (6/1) adopted her customary front-running tactics in the extended 2m6f maiden hurdle and, after going well clear heading out on the final circuit, kept up the gallop to record a wide-margin success.
The 104-rated mare, getting off the mark on her thirteenth start over hurdles, had been reeled in late in the day at Navan on her previous start when similar tactics had been employed. On this occasion, one by one the chasing pack began to struggle and the Oliver McKiernan-trained six-year-old came home sixteen lengths in front of Heyjoe De Kerser
Winning rider Richie Condon said: “It's nice when you have a good willing partner. She wears her heart on her sleeve, she loves that ground and I'd say she would have gone around again.
“The Navan hill (last time) is stiff, it's a long way home. After the last the two of them came past me but in fairness she stuck her neck out again and got second.
“She's so honest and game, a pleasure to ride and she jumps so well. Oliver's horses are running great this season and it's grand to be a part of it.
“I didn't want to be looking around too much and I was trying to listen, we kept going anyway.
“I was hanging, I hadn't gone for her, and I said I'd have one go in between the last two. When I jumped the last I heard the commentator say that I was well clear so I just kept it going then to the line."
Quotes from Gary Carson
