Kennedy claims riding plaudits on Wicklow Flyer

Wicklow Flyer (6/1) and Jack Kennedy (1lb overweight) stole a march on their rivals to land the Whiteriver Wood Flooring Claiming Hurdle.

In front from an early stage, the daughter of Ask built up a lead of 25 lengths passing the winning post with a circuit to race. Still well in front turning for home with three to jump, the five-year-old’s pursuers closed on the run to the last but she kept on well to hold My Manekineko and 10/3 favourite Mandarin Monarch by three and a half lengths and a short head.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: "That's why he (Jack Kennedy) is as good as he is, he used his head. He said there was no pace and he let her rip along.

"Listen, if someone claimed her now, she would be a nice fun filly for them. She's there and she is ready to go.

"I haven't had a winner for about five days! (32 runners ago at Sligo on 17th August)"

The winner, claimed by Rachel O'Neill for 5k to be trained by 'Shark' Hanlon, was one of four horses to change hands.

My Manekineko (5k) was claimed by Barry Davis to be trained by Gearoid Brouder, Ashqar (4k) was claimed by GP Keeley to be trained by Paul Gilligan and Mandarin Monarch (4k) was claimed by PG Devine to be trained by Norman Lee.

Quotes from Michael Graham