Nibras Rainbow and Leigh Roche © Photo Healy Racing
Nibras Rainbow continued the fine season of trainer Paul Flynn when staying on best to win Division ll of the GAIN The Advantage Series Handicap at Killarney.
A dual winner when trained in Britain, the U S Navy Flag gelding had hinted at a return to form when fourth in a big field handicap at the Curragh last time.
Prominent throughout under Leigh Roche, the four-year-old headed the front-running Shoot To Kill over a furlong out before keeping on well to score by half-a-length.
Favourite Speckled Meadow stayed on late to take third place under Wayne Hassett.
Paul Flynn said: "I didn't know what to do with him but felt I should stick to what he did in England and while you could easily say he was ungenuine with his head coming up, I had his wind done. I think he is only getting his confidence now.
"It took a run to get him back (after surgery) and he is coping with that softer ground now. We'll keep going and will go to Listowel."
Regarding a possible return to hurdling, he added "no!".
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
