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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Lieutenant Highway shows battling qualities under Kennedy

Thu 12th May 2022, 18:23

Lieutenant Highway and Jack Kennedy win the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Maiden HurdleLieutenant Highway and Jack Kennedy win the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Maiden Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Lieutenant Highway made much of the running before battling back bravely once headed to take the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club (C&G) Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Jack Kennedy had the Gordon Elliott trained favourite in front early on and for a long period it appeared as though he wasn't for catching.

Kennedy got lower in the saddle turning out of the back straight and was headed by eventual second Malinas Glory between the final two flights.

However, the Elliott trained gelding showed gritty determination to fight back and run out a cosy winner at the finish.

Lisa O'Neill, representing Gordon Elliott reported; "he has been knocking on the door and has had a few nice runs so it was good to get his head in front. It is great for Mr (Michael) Hanrahan who is a great owner of Gordon's.

"Hopefully he will go along and pick up a few more over the summer, he seems to enjoy that ground. Jack gave him a nice ride from the front and the horse enjoyed himself and he battled when the other horse came to him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

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.