1-2 for McManus at Killarney on tough day for green and gold team

An excellent Killarney continued for J P McManus and Mark Walsh as Air Supremacy led home a one two for the green and gold on the day they lost their champion hurdler Espoir D’Allen, in the Kerry Group Handicap Hurdle.

For the Joseph O’Brien yard Air Supremacy proved three lengths superior to Gavin Cromwell’s Spades Are Trumps Of course it was Cromwell that had care of the brilliant young hurdler Espoir D’Allen.

Well-backed favourite Party Playboy (11/4 into 15/8) couldn’t match the McManus principals and he ended up three parts of a length back in the bronze medal position.

“It was easy to watch over the last two,” said McManus racing manager Frank Berry.

“It took him a few runs to get the hang of it but he ran respectable in Galway. He got a bit tired. He’s come forward on the bit of good ground though, which he’s handled well.

“He keeps a bit for himself. You wouldn’t think passing here with a circuit to go that he might win, but he got a good ride.

“It’s good to see Mark back (only yesterday returned from injury).

“Poor old Gavin (Cromwell) could have done with the winner — it’s tough on him (the loss of Espoir D’Allen).”

(EM)