Our Zebo defies weight rise to double up for Kelly The Noel Kelly trained Our Zebo defied a hefty weight rise for his recent victory when following up in the Road Stud Installations Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick. Raised 12lb for his facile success at Tramore, the six-year-old grey brushed aside that impost to run out an easy winner under Alex Harvey. Held up towards mid division in the early stages, Harvey was content to ride a waiting race as I'm For Home took them along under Mike O'Connor. Pushed along to get closer after three out, a mistake at the penultimate flight put Our Zebo on the back foot. However, he found plenty when asked for more by Harvey, cutting through the field to go second jumping the final flight. Soon in front, the Noel Kelly trained son of Mastercraftsman powered clear up the steep hill to run out a comfortable six-and-a-half lengths winner. Noel Kelly said: "He'll not be in that 0-100 much longer. "Blinkers and that trip, dropped him out and took his time again - that seems to be the key. "Alex gets on well with him, you couldn't take him off. "He was always going well at home. We took him to England last year and backed him a couple of times and he was very disappointing. It was probably our fault as we rode him too handy. "He's a very, very good work horse at home. "He loves to be dropped out and passing horses. "Probably big, flat, galloping tracks don't suit this horse because he is a wee bit quirky in himself. Up and down hills, twisting and turning, keeps him thinking. Tramore, here and Sligo - those sort of tight tracks. "I think he saves a good wee bit for himself. "I thought today the Shark's horse (Hanlon, Mother Ship) was 19lb better off with us and I was afraid of her, but he did it well. That horse got cut off at the top of the hill and you need a bit of luck in races, we got it. "I'd rather give him three to four weeks (off)." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
