Noble Crusade continues on sharp upward curve

John McConnell has built up a successful association with Keithen Kennedy in recent weeks and the pair teamed up again with Noble Crusade in the DundalkStadium.com Apprentice Handicap.

The Noble Mission gelding won decisively here nine days ago and despite a 10lb hike in the ratings, followed up in equally impressive fashion again over 1m4f.

The well-backed 5/4 favourite headed the front-running Hollywood Star a furlong out and Kennedy didn’t need to exert himself as the six-year-old came home two and a half lengths clear.

Maura’s Gift took the runner-up spot with Gracesolution just a neck further back in third.

McConnell said, “That was good, he's just hit a vein of form. They went a good lick, which probably helped as he stays very well.

“It's great to have the lads here, they weren't here the last day. They are staying up for the night, they've come from Limerick and elsewhere.

“Keithen was very good, again he did nothing wrong. He had a bad draw but got him in and went from there - we're very happy.

“They've been very patient with him. You could think about stepping up to two miles, that would be an option.

“He's handicapped over hurdles, and I'd say he's probably a two-and-a-half mile horse over hurdles. He's a fun horse.”

Quotes by Gary Carson