Reverend Hubert much too strong for Kilbeggan opponents A week on from a down the field finish under a big weight in a hugely competitive heat at the Galway Festival, Reverend Hubert justified 11/8 favouritism (from 2s) in the Joe Cooney Memorial Hurdle at Kilbeggan. In this small field three mile one furlong heat Philip Byrnes soon pressed on aboard his father Charles' charge, but Jabbar looked a big threat when trying his case from two out. Reverend Hubert showed his stamina from before the final flight though, and eleven lengths eventually separated them. “His Mallow form was probably good enough, I thought he was a bit unlucky there myself,” said Byrnes senior. “It was a lovely race for him with the conditions. I’d say a small field suits him, he doesn’t really like a big field. “Top weight in Galway was always going to be a big ask. I wasn’t too disappointed with him in Galway, I didn’t really expect too much there to be honest. It was great to get this with him. “The plan was to make it a test as there was a question mark about the rest of them staying, he totally out-stayed the second horse. “There is a similar race in Down Royal at the end of the month. He’s badly handicapped over fences, we’ll have to have a look at the Flat as well.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Brazil, trained by Padraig Roche, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (GC & EM)
