The Kennedys are in the number one spot again

Michael Kennedy, a brother of yesterday’s Gold Cup hero, Jack, kept up a successful week for the County Kerry family when sending out Hurlerontheditch (11/1) to win the first division of the Monksgrange (C & G) Point-To-Point Flat Race at Wexford.

Another family that are no strangers to Cheltenham success, the O’Sullivans, also got in on the act here. Eugene has sent out two Foxhunter winners, and his nephew Michael was aboard Hurlerontheditch.

Owned and bred by Conor Murphy the successful Shirocco chestnut beat favourite Chrissies Diamond by a length and three parts. A nicely bred sort, the winner had unseated in a point-to-point on his only previous appearance in public.

"His full-sister, Majestic Maid, won a bumper at Galway and a maiden hurdle at Cork. She then got black-type in Gowran. We have run her a few times since but you can forget that as she was put out on the wrong ground. I'll be keeping her for breeding," explained Murphy.

"Hopefully I'll get this fellow sold. We expected him to run well today. He unseated early on in his point-to-point. He still won without his jockey! He was crossed by another horse and the jockey went out the side. It couldn't be helped.

"Michael is based in my yard at home in Innishannon. I have six of this family at home and the eldest is Majestic Maid. The mare didn't go in foal this year but she had six foals in-a-row. I have a Presenting filly four-year-old and she looks nice as well, she is only starting.

"He will come on a lot for the run and if we keep him, he will probably go for a maiden hurdle next."

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Armchair Farmer ridden by Mr R.W. Barron, placed sixth and Big Bad Buzz ridden by Mr J.W. Hendrick, unplaced, where it appeared that Big Bad Buzz ran short of room and clipped heals. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. R. W. Barron stated that he was unaware that there was a horse on his inside as his mount drifted towards the running rail. Mr. J. W. Hendrick stated that the horse on his outside had rolled in on him and he clipped heels as a consequence. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. R. W. Barron was in breach of rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered Mr. R. W. Barron's record in this regard, the Stewards suspended Mr. R. W. Barron for four racedays.

(DM & EM)