Malbas Madness proving a real Kilbeggan specialist Having won over course and distance last time, the Dermot McLoughlin trained Malbay Madness continued his love affair with the County Westmeath track when landing the Kilbeggan Handicap Hurdle. Held up towards rear early on, jockey Paddy O'Hanlon moved closer in fifth going out on the final circuit on the Wings Of Eagles gelding. Looming up to join leader Lynchy Boy after jumping the penultimate flight, the 9/2jf went on soon after. Quickly joined by fellow market leader Kaptain Bay entering the home straight, the pair jumped the last in unison. However, Malbay Madness found plenty when asked for more on the short run-in, stretching on to win by two-lengths. “He won well. He said he was a bit keener today than the last day but he’s going the right way and he’s a grand horse,” said McLoughlin. “He just got a little bit lit up today, he said he didn’t get as much cover, but he said he finished out the race well even after being a bit keen which is always a good sign. “We’ll see what the handicapper does and make a plan from there.”
