White Star Line in control in the Kerry National© Photo Healy Racing
White Star Line ran out an emphatic winner of the Guinness Kerry National as he turned a competitive looking heat into a procession at Listowel this afternoon.
Andrew Lynch picked up the spare ride on the Dessie Hughes-trained gelding after he made the cut despite being third reserve in the €160,000 event.
The 16/1 shot was settled at the back of the field in the early stages of the three-miler before making ground up from the fourth last.
He swept into the lead turning for home and kicked clear from the second last fence. The Saddlers' Hall gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a five-length length success. Carlingford Lough stayed on to take the runner-up spot close home from Muirhead who had been prominent throughout. Last year's runner-up Questions Answered ran another fine race in fourth.
The winner got into the field this morning thanks to the withdrawals of Double Seven and Go All The Way due to the soft ground.
It was a spectacular way to break his duck over fences although he had some fine novice form without winning over fences.
They included a third-place in the JLT Speciality Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last season, his third placed effort at Prestbury Park.
His stable-mate Wise Oscar who also got in as a reserve, was sent off the well-backed 4/1 favourite (14/1 in morning) but could make no impression in seventh.
The success is sure to prove a tonic for trainer Dessie Hughes, who is currently recovering from an operation, and daughter Sandra had a positive update on the Curragh handler:-
“He is coming along well and the operation went very well. He's been out on the gallops every morning recently and should be back racing in a few weeks. I was on the phone to him and he was delighted.
“We thought that if the ground wasn't as bad as they were saying that he would run a hell of a race. Thankfully things were kind for us.
“He had been unlucky till this and had been knocking on the door. He jumped great today and has lots of class.
“I'm not sure of the plan but he is ground dependent. Hopefully he might travel back to Cheltenham.”
Hughes also added about the beaten favourie Wise Oscar:- “He didn't jump great today.”
Andrew Lynch was delighted to get the call to ride the winner: - “He done it well. I was lucky enough. My lad (Go All The Way) didn't run because of the ground and I was lucky enough to get the ride on him.
“Everything panned out. I was told to drop him in and take my time. His jumping got me into the race.
“He was still travelling well so I said I'd kick on and once I kicked him on turning in he picked up well and was always going to win
“Around here you need to travel and jump and he did both.
“I was talking to Dessie before the race and hopefully that will perk him up a bit.”
Shane Butler, rider of the 12th placed He'llberemembered was given a one-day suspension for weighing in over the pound-and-a-half allowance.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
