Black Label (blue with green cap) gives chase© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Kennedy registered a quick double at Bellewstown today when swooping late on Black Label in the Niall Mac Mahon 10th Anniversary Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Konig Hall looked to have done enough in the 2m1f contest after hitting the lead two from home.
The Ado McGuinness-trained Black Label flew home on the run-in, however, and got up near the line for a head success at odds of 5/1.
“He likes good ground and has been running well. He was probably unlucky not to win at Galway,” said McGuinness.
“I don't think he stayed the two-and-a-half the last day when he ran with the choke out.
“I told Jack to drop in and bide his time. He's different gravy this guy. He's in a different league and is a serious rider.
“I didn't give him a whole pile of instructions. He went down the paint and bided his time.
“He's in again on Monday at Roscommon. It's two-and-a-half but I put him in again just in case. We'll have to see what Mr O'Brien says.
“He'll definitely go to Listowel and eventually, he's a serious horse over a fence, so has a good future hopefully.”
“He's stiff and sore after getting kicked,” said on course Medical Officer Dr Richard Downey.
“He should be fine in a few days. He has no serious injuries.”
