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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Three for Kennedy & Lieutenant Highway

Tue 19th Jul 2022, 18:31

Lieutenant Highway and Jack KennedyLieutenant Highway and Jack Kennedy
© Photo Healy Racing

Earlier successful on Rebel Rose and Tullypole Annie Jack Kennedy completed a quick treble aboard Lieutenant Highway in the Brewin Dolphin Rated Novice Hurdle.

Sent off the 6/4 favourite, the Gordon Elliott trained son of Fame And Glory was completing a treble of his own, having won on his previous two starts at Clonmel and Downpatrick respectively.

Soon in front, the Michael Hanrahan owned five-year-old made virtually all. Briefly joined from three out, he went on again after the next and came home nine lengths clear of Great Realisation (7/2) in second. Ballybaun Star (10/1) and Spick And Span (7/4) were still travelling nicely behind the leaders when they both fell independently at the second last.

Kennedy, still limping after a heavy fall at Tipperary on Sunday, said: "He's improving and he's a different horse to when I won on him at Clonmel. He used to be a bit quirky but he's a lot more relaxed now and the penny seems to have dropped.

"The cheekpieces are just helping him to concentrate and his jumping is improving, although he jumps better in behind horses at home.

"Two miles is probably far enough for him at this stage. When he settles down fully he can go a bit further."

Of his treble he added: "To have days like that you'll go through any pain!"

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Spick And Span trained by Aidan Anthony Howard was noted to have blood at both nostrils possibly as a result of her fall.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan

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.