Kieran Kelly remembered at Kilbeggan

Kieran Kelly was at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts as Kilbeggan staged the race which saw the jockey fall with tragic consequences a year ago.

The race, renamed the Kieran Kelly Memorial Handicap Chase, was sponsored by friends of Kelly. The 25-year-old suffered fatal head injuries after a fall from Balmy Native in the corresponding event last year.

Trainer Dessie Hughes, who employed Kelly, saddled two runners but had to settle for second and third place as Keeponthesunnyside stayed on gamely under Andrew McNamara to beat Gale Star. Tipp Top was third.

The winner was recording his fifth victory at the track and dug deep to claw back Gale Star after that rival had stole the lead turning for home.

“He’s a super horse. He’s sound and easy to train. He never runs a bad race. When the other horse went to the front I thought we were done for but he is all heart,” said winning trainer Tim Doyle.

Course specialist Barrack Buster (9/4 to 7/4f) provided Kieran Kelly with his last ever winner when scoring for the first time here last year and the mare collected her fourth win at the course in the Joe Cooney Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh sent the Martin Brassil-trained mare into the lead before three out and she had the measure of her rivals coming into the straight. The pair eased down for a 10-length verdict over Lease.

Walsh also had a straight forward task in the Kevin Cooke (C&G) Maiden Hurdle when Amid The Chaos justified odds of 2/13 in effortless fashion, kicking clear three out for a nine-length verdict over Dingle Fun Guy.

Winning trainer Dermot Weld also had a double when when Lowlander prevailed in a driving finish to the Isotron Ireland 10th Anniversary Celebration Beginners Chase.

Joey Casey partnered his first winner since St Patrick’s Day when 20/1 shot Dandara claimed the Foster & Allen Mares Maiden Hurdle while Planters Specials battled well when tackled in the straight having gone for home two out in the Hamill’s Kia Handicap Hurdle.