Turkey And Ham is another for in-form Kelly Turkey And Ham provided Noel Kelly with his third winner from his last four runners in the first divide of the Follow Kilbeggan On Instagram Handicap Hurdle. Fourth when sent off favourite on his sole previous visit to the venue last September, the Mount Nelson bay was returning from a seven-month break this evening. Settled behind the leaders by Gavin Brouder, the 12/1 chance wasn't fluent over four out, but made a decisive move to the front before the next. While briefly pressed by Midnight Fairy (4/1f) on the long run to the last, she soon went on again and ultimately finished a length-and-three-quarters clear of the John Shinnick-ridden market leader. Getting in as a reserve, Ardfert Mary (20/1) was another four-lengths away in third. "I thought we'd be struggling from a long way out as I rode her over three miles and she ran a cracking race and stayed galloping," Brouder remarked. "She was a lot sharper today, jumped better and travelled better. "She was a bit fresh early maybe because she hadn't run in a good while, but I knew she would stay no matter how quick they went early. "She'd prefer a bit more juice in the ground but handled that well today." The successful Strange Coalition Syndicate includes Joe Craig, joint-owner of the legendary Beef Or Salmon. STEWARDS REPORTS * Mr R. James, rider of Silent Selector, trained by G.E. O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lost both front shoes at the third last. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cher Tara, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame behind. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
