Kidd off the mark on the track on impressive Pride

Jordan Kidd, off the mark earlier in the year 'between the flags,' broke his duck on the racecourse proper this evening at Kilbeggan, winning the Midland Veterinary (Tullamore, Portarlington, Edenderry) INH Flat Race on the impressive Kevin's Pride

After racing prominently Kevin's Pride led over two furlongs out. Soon shaken up the Mount Nelson gelding wasn't long about asserting.

Ridden and going further clear from over a furlong out the John McConnell-trained victor went on to beat Marcus Furius by nine and a half lengths.

"I thought he was doing it nearly too easily but I let him roll on and he did it well," said the winning pilot, a brother to jockey Dylan, and a native of County Meath.

"I'm with John now having been with Gavin Cromwell, who was good to me, and gave me as many opportunities as he could."

For his part McConnell stated: "Time will tell how good a bumper it was but his work had told us he was very nice.

"He's a massive chaser in the making and to win a bumper is a bonus.

"The owners are from Ashbourne and have been very patient as he was one of the horses most effected by rape-seed last May.

"He could be sold but I don't know what the lads will do as they're in shock.

"He'll go on soft ground as well as his wind is very good."

(TW & EM)