Palpatate justifies favouritism in Killarney nightcap The Sean Aherne trained Palpatate made virtually all under Anna McGuinness to win the concluding Kate Kearney's Cottage (Ladies Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Killarney. Well supported prior to the off, the six-year-old was sent off 11/10f (from 9/4) to get off the mark at the sixth time of asking. Sent straight to the front by McGuinness, Palpatate led for most of the journey, aside from briefly surrendering the lead to Minella Supreme entering the home straight. Soon back in front, the eventual winner stayed on strongly inside the last two furlongs to beat Minella Supreme by one-and-a-half lengths. Sean Aherne said: She has been knocking on the door and running well so she deserved that. I was a little nervy about the ground as she likes good ground and got away with it today. She is by a sprinter so would like top of the ground. "I thought I had a nice jockey for these Ladies Races and she (McGuinness) was a help and is well able. I'm delighted for everyone and for Ray, from Skibbereen, who also bred her. "We might go over hurdles now, she has a little schooling done at home and seems fairly ok at it." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
