Sandymount Duke in charge at the last in Kilbeggan© Photo Healy Racing
Sandymount Duke made virtually all to keep punters ahead of bookmakers after race two in Kilbeggan.
The 4/6 favourite had an extended three miles to negotiate in the T & V Novice Hurdle. He picked up the lead jumping the second and travelled sweetly for Robbie Power as the pair hugged the rails throughout. Speed Demon and Aunt Alice looked the only realistic dangers jumping the third last. However, although they were both within striking distance of the leader they both came off the bridle on the run to the second last.
Speed Demon was hard ridden by Bryan Cooper to close on the leader in second but he still had plenty of work to do jumping that flight. Aunt Alice had been relegated to third by this stage.
Sandymount Duke was on good terms with himself jumping the last and was ridden out to win by 10 lengths.
Speed Demon made a very bad mistake at the last which saw him come to a standstill. Cooper did very well to retain the partnership after almost being unseated. This allowed Aunt Alice (7/1) to come through for second. She was 20 lengths in front of Speed Demon in third.
Handler Jessica Harrington said: "That step up to three miles was great. He's more grown up each time he runs. Robbie was funny about him, he wanted to take a lead but he jumped so well he decided to go on.
"He jumped great and he'll go for another novice between two and a half and three miles. (Owner) Ronnie Wood is somewhere in America."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
