Kauto another easy handicap winner at Kilbeggan Bal Kauto turned a competitive looking handicap into a procession when running out an easy winner of the New Forest Estate Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan. Declan Queally held his mount up in the three-miler before jumping to the front over the second last. The well backed 3/1 favourite (7/1 in morning) soon skipped clear to record a 14-length success. “The plan was to put him asleep, he’s been a little bit unlucky,” said Queally. “The owners had a few quid on him down in Listowel and he just got beaten. I said I’d drop anchor at the back as they usually get tired around here. “He actually came up out of my hands at the third last and took me to the front. I thought he was getting a bit keen there but I had a quick look behind and they were all in trouble. “I would have preferred to have waited until the road with him but he was going so easy. “He was off nearly two years with legs. When you’re sitting on the couch it takes a bit of time to get back fully fit. “I made a mistake running him at Sligo on quick ground. “My brother is involved, he’s living out in Spain. Hopefully he’ll get into a race in Galway, they want to run there.” On him taking the ride he added:- “Kevin (Sexton) wasn’t coming here. He’s funny, he’s a very quiet horse but if you jump off in mid-division he’ll grab it and it’s all over then.”
