NED KELLY EXTENDS UNBEATEN RUN

Exciting novice hurdler Ned Kelly maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles by powering home to a 'workmanlike' victory in the Paddy Power Online Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown today, earning a 6/1 quote for the SunAlliance Hurdle in the process.

Despite the slow pace of the two mile contest, winning trainer Edward O'Grady was satisfied his Cheltenham prospect had given a good account of himself 'under the circumstances.'

'It was a good run in testing conditions. The ground is heavy and the slow pace was not ideal. It is the first time in his six races that the button had to be pushed.'

O'Grady added: 'It was a good learning curve for both horse and jockey?Norman [jockey Williamson] was impressed. We will more than likely go for the two mile INH Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in February.'

Throughout the race, Williamson kept the brother of Nick Dundee handy and called for an effort after jumping the second last flight. The winner needed niggling rounding the turn and appeared tight for room on the rails behind Theseus and Bust Out.

With the Philip Carberry-ridden Theseus weakening on the rail, Ned Kelly (1/1 fav) seized the opportunity and accelerated through the widening gap. With a slight lead jumping the last, Williamson drove the four-year-old out on the flat to hold off the dying challenges of Grinkov and Bust Out by two-and-a-half lengths and a head repectively.

Rank outsider Call Me Dara (33/1) will be the toast of Bandon, Co Cork tonight after springing a tremendous surprise to win the £125,000 paddypower.com Handicap Chase.

Trained in Kinsale by 39 year-old trainer Robert Tyner, Call Me Dara was providing the Corkman with his second racecourse win in two days after Camden Tanner won the bumper at Cork yesterday.

Tyner, well know in point-to-point circles, was suitably pleased with Call Me Dara's performance after the filly's bold front running performance. The trainer acknowledged Call Me Dara had 'jumped and stayed well' but admitted connections had been 'more hopeful than expectant' of victory.

Having opened up a commanding advantage with Lyreen Wonder, Call Me Dara (Neil Mullholland) never looked troubled by the tracking field of 21 runners. Left in front after Lyreen Wonder's costly blunder at the third last, Call Me Dara rounded the home turn with a comfortable three length advantage over Tyndarius.

Despite the late challenges off the fast finishing Coq Hardi Diamond and Montana Glen, Call Me Dara had enough in the tank to hold off the game challengers by six lengths and a short head.

'Neil [Mulholland] was riding his first ever race for us?he gave her a smashing ride?we are all so thrilled,' quipped a delighted Tyner.

'She [Call Me Dara] saves herself when she is in the air?she is just an outstanding jumper,' he added.

Papillon, making his first appearance since his scintillating Aintree Grand National victory, was slashed two points to 14/1 for next April's showpiece after his disciplined victory in the Listed Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase.

Trainer Ted Walsh was quoted yesterday as saying that the 'testing ground would not suit Papillon but he has to start somewhere'. Returned at 8/1, Walsh stated afterwards that 'a good second' was all he was hoping for.

In a field that included hat-trick seeking To Your Honour and former two-mile champion chaser, Klairon Davis, Papillon attracted no significant support in the market and was duly returned the outsider of the quartet.

Approaching the third last, odds on favourite To Your Honour looked to be travelling well, sitting on the shoulder of Miles Byrne while Ruby Walsh, having relinquished an early lead, sat two lengths off this duo in third.

To Your Honour, reverting back to the left handed track after his beating of Space Trucker at Punchestown last time, swerved at the open ditch, narrowly avoiding crashing through the rails. This blunder gifted Ruby Walsh the space to produce Papillon with a run and haul back leader Miles Byrne.

Despite getting back on terms after the second last, champion jockey Barry Geraghty could do little to prevent To Your Honour drifting wide rounding the final bend. Papillon, hugging a tight line on the rail mounted a challenge and got on terms with Miles Byrne after jumping the last.

Under a stirring drive from Walsh, Papillon collared the leader with 150 yards to race and powered away in fine style to record a handy one length victory over To Your Honour with Miles Byrne a further nine lengths back in third.

Trainer Ted Walsh said afterwards: 'I am well aware that To Your Honour's jumping handed us the race but I'm just happy that my horse was there to take advantage of it.'

Timber King provided owner Sue Magnier with her second winner of the day when powering away after the last to score an impressive eight length victory over the JP McManus owned Janidou.

Ruby Walsh, back at Leopardstown after duty at Kempton Park yesterday, scored in the opening paddypower.com Festival 3-Y-O hurdle when the Frances Crowley-trained Benovia held off the challenge of Vatirisk by one-and-a-half lengths.

Calladine provided young amateur Alan Crowe with his second winner of the Christmas festival after landing the Paddy Power Online Handicap Hurdle for trainer Christy Roche.

Collier County was arguably the most impressive winner of the day. Having made all, the 12/1 chance quickened away from the field and powered up the straight to record a most convincing 20 length win over Belle Away. Shortly after the race, Cashmans Bookmakers quoted the runaway winner at 25/1 for the Cheltenham Bumper next March.