18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Birdie Blitz powers home under Kelly

Sun 15th Jan 2023, 14:19

Birdie Blitz in control over the final flightBirdie Blitz in control over the final flight
© Photo Healy Racing

Aidan Howard's Birdie Blitz swamped her rivals with a strong winning move from two out in the mares' handicap hurdle at Punchestown.

Aidan Kelly took 7lb off the grey mare's back and she forged on from the field on the run to the final flight.

Once it was negotiated, she powered home for a six-length victory at 9/2 in first-time cheekpieces. Lizlucky (7/2jf) took the runner-up prize from Getaway Goldie (20/1).

“I was delighted to see her win, she deserves a win as she's been knocking on the door,” said Frank Berry, owner JP McManus' racing manager.

“She handled the ground well and Aidan is good value for his claim.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.