Joy for Murphy with Kentucky Lass

Kentucky Lass provided trainer Barry Murphy with a welcome change of fortune when taking division one of the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer Handicap Hurdle at Roscommon.

The Co. Galway restricted licence holder was sending out his first winner in nearly three years as the Milan mare came out best in an incident-packed finish.

Adrian Heskin sent her to the front just after the final flight, and the 14/1 chance came home a length and a half ahead of the luckless Beautiful Ben

Davy Russell ’s saddle appeared to slip after the last on the 4/1 favourite, and the former champion jockey performed heroics to keep the partnership intact.

Russell regained his balance to ride the Denis Hogan-trained gelding into second place close home on the far rail. Station Closed could find no extra on the run-in to finish just a neck further back in third, with Our Jerry the same distance away in fourth.

Murphy said, “She has always been consistent and her first run back gave us plenty of encouragement. She was placed on this sort of ground at Ballinrobe last year after a heavy days rain.

“I'm full up at home — I have one in! This year I have a 100 percent record. Adrian said to look for something over a bit further on a bit better ground.”

(GC & AM)