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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Kitty & O'Keeffe are not for catching

Sun 11th Oct 2020, 14:34

Kitty Galore jumps the last under Sean O'KeeffeKitty Galore jumps the last under Sean O'Keeffe
© Photo Healy Racing

Kitty Galore made the breakthrough over flights as she made all in the Irish Racing Wall Calendar 2021 Mares Handicap Hurdle.

The John Ryan trained six-year-old was placed on two of her last three starts and making her debut in handicap company this afternoon, she was sent off a 15/2 chance (12s in early shows).

Sent straight to the front by Sean O'Keeffe and in a clear lead for much of the contest, the bay victor was pushed along from two out and kept on well when ridden on the run-in, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths. Bridge Native (15/8f) closed on the winner in the straight, but couldn't get on terms and she eventually finished second under Conor Orr for Dot Love.

The Noel Meade trained Dinard Rose (6/1) completed the placings another four lengths back in third.

Ryan, who also owns the winner, said afterwards: "She is from the family of Denman and has lots going for her.

"She had tying up problems last year and we've got the better of them and she is a different mare this year. Down the road she could be very good as she jumps a fence very well.

"Sean gave her a brilliant ride and that chap is flying for a reason."

"I was disgusted with the first race as I think The Little Yank would have won if he wasn't hampered and Fairyhill Run ran a cracker.

"Fairyhill Run will stay to pattern races, The Little Yank is coming back to where he was last year.

"It depends on what the handicapper does to Kitty Galore now."

STEWARDS REPORT

D.F. O'Regan, rider of Annie Pender trained by John Queally, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.