Kamil takes eventful opener in first time cheekpieces

Kamil got off the mark in first time cheekpieces, as he took what was an eventful opener at Limerick, the Keanes Jewellers Ladies Day 14th October Maiden Hurdle.

Unplaced on his three previous efforts over flights, the Noel Meade trained gelding was sent at 10/3 this evening under Sean Flanagan for Gigginstown House Stud.

Out of German mare Kastoria, not to be confused with the 2006 Irish St Leger winner of the same, name, the chestnut gelding was settled behind the leaders.

He took closer order with a circuit to race and was soon left in front, with the well-backed Gemmattymoll (10s to 5s) pulling up quickly.

He was ridden and strongly pressed by the 11/8 favourite Wigs On The Green from two out, and it was still very much in the balance at the last when that one crashed out.

This left Kamil in a clear lead, and he went on to score by twenty-lengths from Hitdroadjack (10/1) in second, and Major Fawcett (25/1) another two and a quarter lengths back in third.

Flanagan said: "I was happy enough with how I was going (at the last) and I just don't know how well Barry (on Wigs On The Green) was going - he had a good grab at the second last and tipped up at the last, but I don't know if he'd have beaten me as my lad galloped out to the line.

"He was the highest rated horse in the race and was entitled to win as far as he did and I wouldn't be too worried about trying him in a novice chase either, as he jumps really well."

Additional reporting Thomas Weekes