Queally's Kauto makes the most of his opportunity

Ridden and trained by Declan Queally, Bal Kauto led home 19 rivals in the Tote Money-Back 2nd Every Race Today Handicap Hurdle.

An easy winner at Kilbeggan on his latest start and getting in as first reserve this evening, the eight-year-old bay was returned at 7/1.

Given a patient ride, the now five-time winner made steady headway from four out and came with his challenge on the outer from the second last.

Jumping to the front over the final flight, he readily extended his advantage when ridden and came home five-lengths to the good in the colours of the Man About Dog Syndicate.

Returned at 11/2, High Court Cave couldn't match the winner from the last and had to settle for the runner-up berth under Oran McGill for Noel Kelly.

There was another two-lengths back to Arctic Gale (10/3f) in third, while the always prominent El Champo (25/1) was six lengths away in fourth.

"It's a big day and these are the meetings that you need to be having winners at," said Queally.

"I got a dream run around, I followed Danny Mullins as he's usually fairly good on ground.

"He's a funny horse, when he grabs it he races with you and he gives everything. You have to keep him in a coma like a Flat horse.

"I was watching the boys get ahead of me going down the hill but I said I'd fill him again.

"When you let him out you can feel him start to come back under you a little. I winged by Donagh (Meyler, on Arctic Gale) heading to the second last and he stayed on up the hill really well.

"He has a serious heart, he's a great trier.

"He was off for two years with a leg, he broke down very badly. All the lads looked after him very well. My father looked after him very well, it was a long road but it was well worth it.

"He was in Fethard (Equine Hospital) for a long time and Ger Kelly said it was 50/50. He said when he's so good give him the chance and we gave him the full two years.

"It was a long process coming back, trotting him for a couple of months. It's all worked out and he's a lovely horse.

"He's only rated 109 over fences. We might go for the McCarthys Bar Lexington Handicap Chase at Tramore. It's kind of a local race and I'd say my Dad would like to win it."

The winner went up almost a stone for winning at Kilbeggan and he added:- "The lads were giving out but I said we might need another pound or two to get into Galway so I was happy enough.

"The 'Shark' rang me this morning (about his non-runner) and I said 'thank-God!'. We could have been going to Roscommon on Tuesday."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards received a request from John Joseph Hanlon, trainer of Roxboro River to substitute the nominated rider P. Hanlon, with S. W. Flanagan due to P. Hanlon being injured. Evidence was heard from John Joseph Hanlon who stated that his charge had been difficult on its previous run in England and added that S. W. Flanagan knows the horse having worked him at home. Having considered the evidence, including watching the animals previous run, the Raceday Stewards, pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 3, allowed the request on this occasion. Having granted the request the Chairman of the Raceday Stewards advised Mr. Hanlon that the granting of permission on this occasion was not to be misinterpreted as a precedent for any future requests.

J. Smith, rider of Another Choice trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got very worked up on the way to the start.

J.W. Kennedy, rider of Ossifer Hops trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson