Brideswell Lad gains Killarney National honours

Wexford owner/trainer Seamus Neville combined with fellow County man J J Slevin to land the Tote Killarney National Handicap Chase, the penultimate event on today's card at the Kerry venue. Brideswell Lad did the needful for his south eastern connections. True Faith had to be re-shod pre-race, at the start, necessitating a ten minute delay to the off time.

Unfortunately then for connections of the long absent True Faith, he took a heavy fall at the second last with a circuit to go. It was a relief to see Rachael Blackmore get to her feet after that horrible looking spill.

At the business end Brideswell Lad (20/1) got the better of Stealthy Tom by a length and three parts. They left favourite Midnight Our Fred four and three parts of a length back in third.

"That was lovely and staying is his game. He has a staying pedigree and two-and-a-half miles was too tight for him the last day," said Neville.

"He travelled well throughout, J.J. was very pleased with him and gave him a brilliant ride.

"That was nice to get at the start of the new season but it might be the end for him for a while. He has been on the go a while so might get a break and the Kerry National would be in mind."

(TW & EM)