Undeniable Alibi and Jack Kennedy © Photo Healy Racing
Former point-to-point winner Undeniable Alibi grabbed his first 'track' success in the Derrygrath Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
This race was over the minimum trip and the 8/13 favourite came through to challenge and head Stickman with less than two furlongs to race.
The pair had a protracted battle with just one flight to jump, but Stickman gave best just before the last.
Undeniable Alibi had a new challenger in jumping it, though, as Whatsyourproblem made stealthy headway to close.
Jack Kennedy got into the drive position on the leader on the run-in and his mount was able to hold Whatsyourproblem (7/2) by a length for trainer Gordon Elliott. Stickman dropped two and three-quarter lengths back to third.
Kennedy said: "We were a bit disappointed with him in his bumper and first run over hurdles, but did it well today. We went a nice gallop for the way the ground is and jumped and travelled.Â
"From riding him at home, you'd think he was a graded horse and obviously he needs to step forward from today, but hopefully he can."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
