The Wallpark and Jack Kennedy left win the Killarney Park Hotel Maiden Hurdle from Ninth Loch right © Photo Healy Racing
The Wallpark maintained his unbeaten record for trainer Gordon Elliott when staying on strongly to win the opening Killarney Park Hotel Maiden Hurdle at the County Kerry venue.
Runner-up over flights at Down Royal last November for previous connections, the Ask gelding was bought by new owner Francis Mangan after finishing third in a Fairyhouse bumper in February.
Having easily landed a Downpatrick bumper on his first run for Elliott in May, the five-year-old was sent off a strong 4-7f to make a winning return to hurdles this afternoon.
Always prominent just off front runner Ninth Loch rider Jack Kennedy got lower in the saddle on The Wallpark on the run to the second last flight, as he went in pursuit of the leader.
The pair jumped the penultimate obstacle almost as one but The Wallpark looked to be just getting the better of his main rival as they approached the final hurdle.
A slight mistake from the Elliott trained gelding allowed Ninth Loch a chance to get back into the race on the run -in. However, The Wallpark found plenty for pressure when asked to go and win his race, staying on best to score by three-quarters-of-a-length.
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott: "He probably wants a trip. If you look at his Downpatrick bumper win, he was flat out at the top of the hill and I'd say he wants 2m4f. Jack (Kennedy) said he'll was going as quick as he was able the whole way.
"Francis Mangan, from Straffan, bought him before he won his bumper and he'll be grand and will win his races. He'll jump a fence too and will go on any ground except the extremes."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
