Thebarrowman and Davy Russell pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The Adrian Keatley trained Thebarrowman maintained his unbeaten record as he made all to win the Annual Family Day 15th May Maiden Hurdle.
A winner of a point-to-point at Maralin in March of last year, the son of Mahler followed-up in a bumper at Fairyhouse in February.
Sent off the 1/2 favourite today he was sent straight to the front by Davy Russell in the colours of the Supersonic Partnership.
He was pushed along when challenged from the second last and he needed to be kept up to his work on the run-in as newcomer Stand Up And Fight kept on well down the outer.
Half a length separated the duo at the line, with the runner-up returned at 12/1 under Mark Walsh for Enda Bolger. Craiganboy (9/1) completed the placings a further two and three parts of a length back in third under Andrew Lynch for Stuart Crawford.
Adrian Keatley said afterwards: "That's as short as he wants, and Davy said he may have gone a gear too slow. He's a real chaser in the making.
"We may have a look at Punchestown for the three-mile novice."
The winner was not sold at 46,000 sterling at Brightwells in April of 2015, while he was again not sold at 100,000 sterling at Tattersalls last month.
STEWARDS REPORTS
A. Ring, rider of Mr Morocco (GB) trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Mash Potato ridden by Mr S.P. Kelly, and trained by Noel C. Kelly. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
Mr S.P. Kelly stated that the instructions were to drop his mount out, in order to get him to settle, as he can be keen and buzzy at home, and get him into a rhythm jumping and to come home as best he can. He said his mount ran a bit keen, had a good look at the hurdles, but jumped better than he had shown at home, changed his legs a number of times and gave a number of heaves.
He felt it was best in the circumstances to hold his mount together until he jumped the last hurdle before riding him out to the line.
Noel C. Kelly confirmed the instructions and stated he was satisfied with the ride considering it was his charge's first race over hurdles.
He felt the horse would improve for a step up in trip and better ground, and stated he planned to run him in England where he may find weaker races, as he is a horse of moderate ability.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Mash Potato had coughed post race.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered but advised Mr S.P. Kelly to be seen to make more effort in future.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
