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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Darkened proves his liking for Kilbeggan with second success

Sun 5th Jun 2022, 16:09

Darkened and J J Slevin win at Kilbeggan Darkened and J J Slevin win at Kilbeggan
© Photo Healy Racing

Darkened recorded his second course and distance win when staying on strongly to land the Axa Smart Farm Insurance Midlands National Day Friday 8th July Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Denis Hogan 's gelding had only one previous win over hurdles to his name, that coming at this venue last August. Successful on the flat at Tipperary in April, he came here in good form and having taken up the running 2 out he kept on strongly. Run Like Fada who was sent off favourite emerged from the chasing pack but was never in with any chance of catching the easy winner.

JJ Slevin said, “I got a nice position going around. He went on travelling sweet and nothing was able to lay down a challenge to him.

“There wasn’t as much pace as I thought there would be and I was happy to be handier than planned.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.