A real win machine since getting off the mark in a Bellurgan Park point-to-point as an eight-year-old in April 2017, Pass The Ball today reached a career high in the Grade B Kilkenny Racing Festival Handicap Hurdle at Gowran.

Owned by J P McManus and trained by 'Boots' Madden, Pass The Ball won two point-to-points and now six on the track since that breakthrough win.

Last year's winner and pace-setter Kilcarry Bridge gave it a good go, this time under Donagh Meyler.

However he had to yield to the 'Slippers' Madden-ridden Pass The Ball from before the last and two lengths separated them at the finish.

"That's great. He's some money-spinner. He loves that ground and the three mile trip," said the winning trainer.

"It's not everyday you get a €50,000 race.

"He might go to Dundalk. He's been second twice there and has been a bit unlucky.

"We were thinking of maybe going for the chase today but with the €50,000 on offer we said we'd go for this race."

M.J. Bolger, rider of Fred The Foot trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

P. Townend, rider of Easy Gold trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished lame.

D.J. Mullins, rider of Small World trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount took lame steps after finishing.

(GC & EM)