The Jimmy Mangan-trained Monty's Pass recorded the biggest success of his career when landing the featured Kerry National at Listowel this afternoon with Barry Geraghty.
Runner-up to More Than A Stroll in the event 12 months ago, Monty's Pass looked in trouble when British challenger General Claremont went to the front after 3 out.
However, Monty's Pass, which is owned by the Dee Racing Syndicate, produced a terrific leap at the penultimate obstacle with him powering to the front on landing. Putsometnby threatened danger on the approach to the last, but the east Cork horse was in no mood to be denied eventually triumphing by 2L from Garrett Cotter's mount.
' I knew that neither the ground nor the fences would trouble him, ' said an elated Mangan. ' He will hopefully be heading for the Aintree Grand National next year. '
Sadly, both Colm's Rock and Temony sustained fatal injuries in this race.
Mick Kinane maintained his lead in the flat jockeys championship by partnering an opening race double. The 11 times champion started off by guiding the Aidan O'Brien-trained Sorcerous to a 1 1/2L success in the oppening 3yo race, but he later received a 1 day ban for careless riding.
Kinane then went on to take the 7f handicap with the blinkered Flying Boat whilst Jim Bolger's good run was continued when Gerry Moylan's Due Diligence landed the 1m handicap.
The Michael O'Brien-trained Swordplay powered clear on the flat with Ruby Walsh to beat Kate Emily in the 2m conditions hurdle.
' Ruby gave him an excellent ride and we'll keep going when the ground is like this, ' said O'Brien's daughter Anne-Marie.
Shannon Ranger, trained just a mile from the course by Seamus Lynch, posted his 2nd course success when dismissing Bigjames in the 2 1/2m maiden hurdle. Shannon Ranger was ridden by David O'Leary and he could now travel to Cheltenham for the Thomas Pink meeting in November.
