18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

What's Up Darling relishes every yard in Killarney

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy with the Sam MaguireGordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy with the Sam Maguire
© Healy Racing Photos

What's Up Darling found plenty to win going away in the extended two-mile-seven-furlong beginners' chase at Killarney.

He was headed by Antrim Coast after fence five in this staying test and looked to be in trouble in third before the straight, however, he warmed to his task three out for Jack Kennedy and took over from Antrim Coast at the penultimate fence.

He galloped home resolutely from there to go in by seven and a-half lengths at 9/4 from 11/10 favourite Antrim Coast.

This completed the National Hunt set for What's Up Darling as it was his first victory over racecourse fences to go with a point-to-point (Quakerstown), a bumper (Tipperary) and a hurdle (Grade 3 novice hurdle in Navan).

Gordon Elliott said: "I thought the horse was in trouble at one stage, but Jack gave him a great ride and I'm delighted. I'd say he wants a trip and he'll be aimed at all those long-distance races.

"It is great to see Sam Maguire here along with Gavin (White, Kerry captain), and what a man he is, so it is great to be here and to win this race."

Connections stood in with the Sam Maguire Cup and man of the match White in the winner's enclosure.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.