Ronan McNally salutes the crowd passing the post on See Double You© Photo Healy Racing
Despite drifting from as short as 11/10 this morning out to his starting price of 5/2 favourite, See Double You followed up on his recent impressive Tramore win in equally as impressive fashion today in division two of the Kelloggs Cul Camps Handicap Hurdle.
Trained in Co Armagh by James Woods and ridden by Ronan McNally the 9yo son of Saddlers' Hall travelled and jumped well throughout behind the leaders before making good progress approaching the straight.
He hit the front before the second last and stayed on well when pushed out to score by three lengths at the line. Gentle Cloud ran well back in second for Padraig Higgins and Paddy Mangan at 20/1 while Daniel Murphy had to make do with third place for the second race in-a-row as his Serra Nova at 20/1 occupied that sport under Brian O’Connell.
Previously trained by Eugene O’Sullivan the winner is now four from five for his new owners (the Red Ned's Syndicate from Armagh), having won two point-to-point's when trained by his jockey Ronan McNally and following up his recent Tramore win today.
Winning rider Ronan McNally said afterwards: "He was awesome. We took a chance running him here today as he scoped dirty yesterday.
"He is tough, jumps great and is class. He is entered in Punchestown on Wednesday where he would be under a penalty but he will hardly run there after the scope so he will probably be sent out to the field now."
Winning trainer James Woods wasn’t present for the victory as he is attending his grandson's confirmation.
Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes