Journey gets off the mark over flights

The Rodger Sweeney trained Long Journey Home made all to take the opener at Kilbeggan, the Follow Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Maiden Hurdle.

Second to Buonaratti Boy in a handicap over the course and distance earlier this month, the eight-year-old son of Dansili was sent off the 7/4 favourite for this two mile contest.

Sent straight to the front by Conor Brassil, the five time flat winner extended his advantage from three out.

His lead was reduced after two out, but he responded well to pressure before the last, keeping on well on the run-in to score by five lengths.

Newcomer William Du Berlais (8's to 11/2 on-course) kept on well to take second under Jody McGarvey for Enda Bolger, and he would have been closer only for a mistake at the last. Dove Mountain who was sent off the 5/2 second favourite, completed the placings a further length and a half back in third under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott.

Sweeney said afterwards: "He won easy but it wasn't a great contest. He could go for a little handicap or maybe a flat race.

"He ran a good race here the last day and seems to like the track.

"He runs a bit free and Conor gave him a good ride - all went well. He kept a little bit in reserve. Fair play to him as he kept a bit up his sleeve."

The winner was having his just his fourth start for Sweeney this evening. He was previously trained by John Oxx, Daniel O'Sullivan and Michael Butler, and won at least one race for all three.

STEWARDS REPORT

R. Loughran, rider of Kansas Kid trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung to the left throughout the last circuit of this race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson