Ceanndana third successive winning 'jolly' at Kilbeggan

Ceanndana (4/1) was another winning favourite when landing the 3m1f handicap hurdle in the hands of Keith Donoghue.

A chase winner at Tramore last time, the Leading Light gelding had won his previous two hurdling starts last July so was completing a hat-trick in this sphere.

An Irish language adjective which translates as headstrong, wilful or stubborn, the seven-year-old was anything but during the race and settled well in mid-division. In front on the approach to the last, the winner was pushed out to account for Dinoland by a snug two lengths.

Trainer Ross O’Sullivan said: “They’re a great bunch of lads (Hows Your Father Syndicate) all from around Dublin who know each other a long time. This is their first horse and they’re great to train for.

“He doesn’t show a whole lot at home but is just after getting a lot of confidence and is improving all the time.

“I was struggling to find a race for him and that’s why we went for this as he’s 6lb better in over hurdles than he is over fences. There just weren’t any chases for him.

“He’ll probably go back for a chase now and is a great fun horse to have.”

Quotes from Alan Magee