Van Wyck takes his chance Van Wyck made the most of his opportunity, getting in as the second reserve, to take the Killarney Grand Live Music Venue Handicap Hurdle for his trainer Francis Flood with jockey Brian O'Connell aboard. Fourth in a contest rated 80 to 102 just last Friday at Cork, the 7yo was taking a drop in class here in this race rated just 80 to 95. Having won at Clonmel, previous to his effort at Cork, it was no surprise that he was sent of 6/1 co favourite of three for the two mile, one furlong contest. The winning son of Flemensfirth chased the leaders early on and was sixth approaching the straight for the final time. He challenged and led approaching the last before staying on well under pressure to beat Nurse Ryan (12/1) by two lengths. Sox's Girl ran a nice race to take third at 8/1, three and a half lengths back, while Slaney Time (16/1) completed the placings a further length and a quarter back in fourth. Son of the winning trainer, Francis Flood junior, said afterwards: "The rain was a bit of help for him. He is consistent and ran a good race at Cork on his last start. "He will go for the amateur riders handicap hurdle at Galway now or there is a race for him on the Monday either. "The opportunity arose this morning when we got a few calls. It was great to get them calls!" Gran Cru and Seamies Dream were the other two co favourites, the form finishing fifth, the latter back in eleventh. Donal Murphy
