Progressive Kendall Roy strikes again

The progressive Kendall Roy landed his most valuable prize to date, as he claimed the Sky Bet Extra Places Everyday Premier Handicap.

Recording his fourth win from his last five starts, the likeable Kate McGivern-trained bay came in for plenty of market support and went off a 3/1 chance from 15/2 in early shows.

Settled behind the leaders in third by Chris Hayes, the Twilight Son gelding was ridden to the front over a furlong from home, keeping on well from there to hold off the effort of Majestic Beauty by half-a-length.

The runner-up was returned an 11/2 chance under Dylan Browne McMonagle (replacing David Egan), while Goal Exceeded (17/2) was another length-and-three-quarters back in third.

Sent off the 9/4 favourite Air Force One faded over a furlong from home and eventually finished a disappointing eighth.

"They went some clip. He has loads of pace and when I saw Chris asking him to lie up I knew they were possibly going too fast," said McGivern.

"It suited him as he wants a stiff five and to stay on, it worked out really well. It didn't in Cork as they went no gallop and it was a sprint home, they kind of left him for toe.

"I'm delighted because I thought he might win in Cork but it didn't play out. He did it again today.

"We want to go to Ascot in two weeks but he has to go up between 5 and 7lb to get in.

"If not we've plenty of other options. I have a couple of owners that want to go and he has the mentality to handle Ascot, the track suits and everything would be ideal for him but it depends on what the handicapper does now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Air Force One, trained by P. Twomey, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

N.G. McCullagh, rider of Verified, trained by Charles Weld, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount dwelt in the gates.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson