Blinkers does the trick for Kyle

Kylecrue returned to form in no uncertain manner when fitted with blinkers to record a shock 16/1 win in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old rather lost his way after a fine debut win in a point-to-point back in April, and was pulled up on his latest two starts in handicap hurdles at Down Royal and here at Clonmel.

However the application of blinkers did the trick as he took over from front-runner Drumlister three out.

Ryan Treacy’s mount jumped left at the final three flights and hung left on the run-in but still had nearly three lengths to spare over Dawn Flyer at the line. Noble Call was a further four and a half lengths adrift in third.

Winning trainer John Ryan said, “I thought he was very good when he won his point-to-point at our home place in Templemore. But he didn’t want to know when he went up to better class and he was lairy enough. The blinkers helped him to concentrate and the drop down in class was also a help. He’ll be way better over fences.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes