Alderwood completes Killarney hat-trick

Alderwood was left to come home an easy winner of the McSweeney Arms Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.

Mark Walsh produce the Alderbrook gelding travelling well at the third last and he hit the front running to the penultimate flight. Memories Of Milan followed him through with a challenge and Walsh had to get to work on his mount going to the final flight.

His rival crashed out at the last, however, and Alderwood could afford to take it easy on the run-in to post a four-length victory over The Lady Granuaile

The 11/2 winner was completing the noteable feat of winning at all three Killarney meetings this summer.

"He ran too freely in the Galway Hurdle and only for that would have put up a better show," said Mullins.

"He might have been a shade lucky today. The handicapper might have a grip on him now but we might chance another handicap before the summer is out depending on what he gets.

"He'll have a break then until the spring. He's still a novice for Fairyhouse and Punchestown."

Memories Of Milan and his rider Tim Carroll thankfully walked back unscathed.

Gary Carson