Crystal bounces away from rivals

The Kevin Prendergast-trained Crystal Kangaroo opened his account in some style when storming home under Chris Hayes in the Follow Killarney Racecourse On Facebook Maiden.

The Shirocco gelding, owned in partnership by Lady O’Reilly and her racing manager James Kelly’s wife, Lisa, asserted well over a furlong out in this extended mile event.

The 100/30 chance was totally in command in the final furlong, eventually beating the well-backed 9/4 joint favourite Brassbound by five lengths.

Andy Oliver sent out the second and third with Bitsanbobs just a neck further away, while the other joint favourite Empresario (3/1-9/4) was fifth.

Hayes said, “He did it well and is an improving horse. He came to us quite late in the season, and has improved with each run.

“I fancied him coming down here today, and the combination of the ground and the track suited.”