Barrier and Keithen Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
Barrier (5/1), a three-parts sister to strong stayer Pied Piper, followed up a maiden hurdle win at Tramore last month by landing the 1m6f handicap under Keithen Kennedy.
Having his first ride for Gordon Elliott who owns the daughter of Australia himself, 7lb claimer Kennedy brought his mount from mid-division to lead inside the final quarter-mile. Valleyoftheeagles maintained a strong challenge all the way to the line but Barrier saw out the trip well to account for that rival by a length.
“It's great, a big thanks to Gordon for giving me the opportunity.It's a great experience to ride for someone like him,” said Kennedy.
“She travelled, she had cheekpieces on today which made a big difference. She took me along everywhere and I took the shortest way around. She went away and did it well.
“Gordon told me that we were drawn wide so jump her off handy and try to get her in wherever you can and ride your race from there. He keeps it fairly simple, in fairness to him, and doesn't over-complicate things. It's very easy to ride for him.
“She was a little bit slowly away but I didn't panic and slotted her in there. I rode the race from there and she went well.”
The winner is declared to run over hurdles at Cork on Saturday.
Quotes from Gary Carson
