Derry to Kerry win for touring Irlandais

Trainer Noel Kelly travelled from Derry to Kerry and registered his first winner at Killarney today as his capable performer Decor Irlandais overcame the journey, top weight and a stewards' enquiry to win the Live Streaming BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle.

The French bred son of Hello Sunday, the winner of four northern point-to-points and three previous hurdles, today defied his 139 rating to score under amateur jockey Noel McParlan.

Decor Irlandais did edge right on the run-in and while causing minimal interference to runner-up William Of Wykeham, the Stewards left the result stand.

Decor Irlandais was one of five horses Kelly brought to the scenic racecourse today and following his winner, revealed “it took me eight hours to come down; I left home at 4am and arrived here at 12pm.”

He added “he had a good run over two miles in Gaway the last day and he made a bad mistake at the second last which cost him a few lengths and probably would have finished second only for it.

“The second and fifth placed horses in that race have all won since.

“He had to carry a lot of weight around here but there wasn't any other race to suit him and we got away with it and was the best horse on the day.

“He'll be out of the 0-140 category now and I'd be thinking to bring him across the water which could suit him better.”