Kennedy shines in the Grimes on Fils d'Oudairies

The featured Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle was won by 18/1 chance Fils d'Oudairies in the hands of Jack Kennedy who returned to race-riding after his latest injury-enforced absence only last weekend.

Formerly trained by Joseph O'Brien and Nicky Henderson, the Saint des Saints gelding raced close to the pace before taking over two out and was ridden out to beat Sharjah by two and three-quarter lengths.

It was the eight-year-old's third win for Gordon Elliott and second, after scoring at Ballinrobe in May, for new owner David L'Estrange.

Elliott's representative Ian 'Busty' Amond said: "it was a nice surprise because on ratings we thought he had no chance. Jack said he was always happy, he jumped and travelled well and was happy turning in.

"He has come right the last couple of runs, has won two races since David bought him so he has been lucky for him - David has plenty horses in the yard so it is nice to have one like that.

"He'll go to the Galway Plate now and the American Grand National is also on the agenda but has won a good prize today whatever happens."

Quotes from Tom Weekes