Jack Kennedy recorded a quick double at Leopardstown this afternoon when giving Dalton Highway a well judged ride to land a dramatic running of the Irish Daily Star Christmas Handicap Hurdle.

Dermot Weld 's charge was sent off 9/2 favourite having been as big as 8/1 this morning.

Kennedy was travelling well behind the leaders turning for home, in the two-and-a-half mile contest, and launched his challenged going to the final flight.

The Zoffany gelding powered home on the run-in to record a two-and-a-half length win over Youngnexofthehill.

“He gave him a peach of a ride,” said Weld.

“To try and get a clear round was the first thing and appear as late as possible. That's exactly how it worked out.

“He avoided all the carnage but good jockeys tend to do that. He needed a bit of luck and got it.

“The horse jumps very well and did his job well. He loves the trip.

“I have no definite plans for him. He's a good Flat handicapper and that'll be the main target. We could look at something like the Chester Cup.

“He's a very consistent horse and has run well all year. He had some excellent runs on the Flat behind Davids Charm in Killarney and in the Irish Cesarewitch.”

There were a few casualties in the race. Nomanbehind fell at the fourth bringing down Balaclava while Rapid Response was badly hampered there and unseated. Punitive unshipped Rachael Blackmore at the fourth last and a few were hampered including Goodbye Someday who went through a wing after the flight.