John Ryan is not likely to forget Kilbeggan's mid-summer fixture of 2011 in a hurry as after Glenstar s success in the opener, the Fairyhill, Templemore, Co. Tipperary trainer doubled his tally as Kalico Kim prevailed in the Hurley Family Handicap Hurdle under claimer Declan Bates.
This King's Theatre mare won last time at Listowel on her second start for the yard and here she showed a good attitude to get the better of Derrinlanna (her rider Andrew Leight got a 3 day ban for excessive use of his whip) who looked to have a slight upper hand before the straight.
A delighted Ryan is a farmer with a restricted licence and this was his first brace.
He remarked: "She's a good mare and she really needs three miles. Gerard (Ryan), the owner, is a life-long friend of mine and he also bred the mare.
"He'd like to go to Galway with her for a staying handicap hurdle. She's well-bred and Gerard still has plenty of the family at home.
"The best horse I have myself is Foildubh (a winner of three so far)."
A plunge on About The House (13/2 into 3/1 on track) went astray here. This fellow didn't have a trouble free passage and eventually pulled up before the third last hurdle.
