Rockbrook makes all under Kelly Rockbrook made all and ran out an easy winner of the Jimmy Shanahan Memorial Handicap Hurdle, following up on his win at Galway in October. On a career high mark of 101, the Philip Rothwell-trained eight-year-old was sent to post a 9/2 chance under Aidan Kelly. Jumping well throughout at the head of affairs, the GVD Syndicate-owned bay had all his rivals in trouble from two out and increased his advantage away from the last, eventually coming home six and a half lengths to the good. Declan Queally's Diamond Nora (5/1) filled the runner-up spot, while Ablaze (12/1) was another length and a quarter back in third. Returned the 7/2 favourite, from 7s early, Whiskeywealth could only manage a disappointing fifth, with just six of the nine who set out for this two-mile contest managing to complete the course. "I got an easy lead the whole way and it was ideal for him," Kelly reflected. "Philip is not here today but he rang me on the way and said if you can go out and make it to leave him bowl away and he done it well in the end. "That's my first ride for Philip and it's a nice way to start off. He finished out the race very well. "I only have seven or eight winners left on my 5lb claim, so I'll try and get down to 3lb this year and kick on from there." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Belle The Lioness, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal * S.D. Torrens, rider of Splendid Choice, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right and pulled up.
