Shannon Royale and Jack Kennedy (right) battle with Summerville Boy (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Shannon Royale held the late lunge of Summerville Boy to land the spoils in the End Of Season Hurdle at Thurles this afternoon.
Only two got into the two-mile-six contest as Summerville Boy cut out the early running and was pressed by Shannon Royale.
Jack Kennedy sent the latter into the lead over the fourth last and 8/13 shot Summerville Boy came off the bridle turning for home.
Shannon Royale was untidy at the second last but the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding looked in control running down to the final flight.
He started to tread water a bit late on though as Summerville Boy found more and ran on to get within a neck at the line.
The 9/4 winner, owned by Robcour, had been second in handicap company at Punchestown last time.
Kennedy said:- “He has plenty of ability but he has his own ideas about things. He’s done it well enough but was fairly idle in front.
“He jumped the last well and was always going to hold on. He stays well and a bit of company is a help on him.”
Kennedy currently sits three ahead of Paul Townend in the jockeys championship (110-107).
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
