Kitsilano clicks for Murphy

Kitsilano ran out a stylish winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel for John Murphy.

Tom Harney produced the 10/3 shot to challenge on the bridle early in the straight and he claimed the lead after the second last. The Big Cloud stuck on well down the final flight but once Harney asked Kitsilano for an effort he quickened up on the run-in to post a length-and-a-quarter win over the well-backed 13/8 favourite.

Kitsilano, tenth in handicap company at Cheltenham last month, was making his first start in the lowest grade today.

The trainer's son and assistant George Murphy said:- "He had a nice run in England last time but we were worried about today's ground. He wants it a bit nicer as he isn't a big horse or powerful but got away with it and did it nicely.

"He won a couple of point to points and it is nice for a few of the lads that are in him, Oisin Mahon and Johnny Donoghue, so it is a good day out for them.

"We might put him away now until the spring and bring him back at the end of February or March."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)