The Nagger Reidy just prevails under 'magic' Kenneally

Placed five times since his sole previous success, The Nagger Reidy was a deserving winner of the Mercedes Benz South Dublin Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Well supported from 7/1 into 9/2 favouritism, the Sonny Carey-trained six-year-old was settled in mid-division by Michael Kenneally, blundering at the fourth.

Making progress on the outer from the third-last flight, the It All Started In Belmont Syndicate-owned bay still had plenty to do approaching the straight.

Ridden and coming with a sweeping run away from the last, he gained a narrow lead with over 100 yards to go, keeping on stoutly in the closing stages to just hold off the persistent effort of Hgranca De Thaix (22/1) with a nose between them on crossing the line.

The fast-finishing King In Love (25/1) was another length-and-a-half back in third, while Rockonliam (15/2), who travelled best and led approaching the last, came home in fourth.

"That's great. Michael O'Sullivan deserves all the credit, he rides him out every day and does everything with him. I just do what he says!" said Carey.

"The man on board was magic because he never travelled and never jumped. He didn't do anything right, and I don't know how he got him up.

"My cousin Niall Farrell bred him and sent him to me as a two-year-old, because he's so crooked he couldn't sell him.

"He had him for his first seven or eight runs but passed away last March. He was a great owner, and owned a lot of horses in England.

"If he was here today, he'd drink Guinness to beat the band. We miss him terribly.

"The owners come from Belmont in Offaly. They include Darragh Kenny the showjumper and another guy Hardin Towell, who is a showjumper in America. Joe Turley is a carpenter from Belmont and my wife Mary is originally from there as well.

"It's a pity Darragh couldn't get over for it. He's usually here every year and that's why we planned this."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lambay Island trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

E. Staples, rider of Rockstown Girl trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by a faller and was pulled up.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders first approach to the starter at the start of this race where it appeared that A.M. King, rider of Cornmarket had put his horse into a trot or canter before being instructed to do so. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that A. M. King was in breach of Rule 208 (iii) (b) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended A. M. King for one raceday.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the riders second approach to the starter at the start of this race involving Ivybrook (FR), ridden by L.A. McKenna, Lambay Island, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, His Nibs ridden by K.E Buckley, Petit King (FR), ridden by E. Walsh, Cornmarket, ridden by A.M. King, Person Of Interest ridden by G. Brouder, and Accustomed ridden by H. E. Sexton where it appeared that several horses were put into a trot or canter before being instructed to do so. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found G. Brouder was in breach of Rule 208 (iii) (b) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended G. Brouder for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson