THE Gordon Elliott-trained Realt Mor returned to winning ways at Ballinrobe on Tuesday as the Grade 1 winner proved the second leg of a double for jockey Jack Kennedy, in the Sheridan Agri Contractors Chase.

Realt Mor’s previous win was gained in the top level Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in March 2013 and today ended a frustrating spell, with Kennedy sending him clear from the second last for a hard fought length win over Usa.

The 5/1 winner carries the colours of Mrs Patricia Sloan and while Elliott wasn’t present, Kennedy later reported: “He jumped brilliant and settled well too. I got racing early on him and was a bit worried but to be fair to him he was on his own after jumping the last and he stayed galloping.

“He’s a class horse on his day but he just lost his way a bit. Hopefully he’s back to himself now.”

Kennedy was successful earlier on the Shane Ryder-trained Lisa’s Legacy, who was herself sending a drought for owners the McNamara Family Syndicate from Connemara, in the David Heneghan Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Kennedy’s mount went clear of Indian Rupee after the last for a six-length win and following the race, delighted winning owner Derek McNamara, club professional at Oughterard Golf Course, stated: “This is our family’s first ever winner and Shane (Ryder) has done a great job with him.

“He was bought for just £1,400 at Doncaster and has turned inside-out. Our extended family have had horses for 80 years but this is our own first winner.”

Ryder added: “I was a bit worried that the two runs at Galway might have left its mark. He’s a grand horse but I didn’t think he’d win as well as he won.”

STRONG PRAISE

Ruby Walsh and Pat Fahy have teamed up for many wins through the years but trainer Fahy was strong in his praise of the champion jockey following the pair’s win with Head Turner in the Ballinrobe Race Committee Mares Handicap Hurdle. Walsh held the daughter of High Chaparral up in rear before making his move late in the race, eventually moving to the front on the run-in before scoring a four-length win over Hurry Kitty.

Fahy commented: “If I had a few more horses like her, and Ruby, it would make some difference!

“She’ll run again wherever there is a suitable race, on the flat or over hurdles. She is owned by husband and wife Liam and Aisling Hurley, from Stradbally, Co Laois - who are in Dubai on business.”

Walsh added: “My association with Pat goes back nearly 20 years - he doesn’t ring very often but when he does they are worth riding. Pat was a bit worried about the trip so I dropped her in. She travelled well, and quickened up smartly to win.”

Multiple-times champion owner J.P. McManus was on the mark in the Corrib Oil Handicap Hurdle with the Enda Bolger trained, Mark Walsh partnered top-weight Blackthorn Prince (3/1f). The son of Black Sam Bellamy recorded a six-length win from Ballygill Princess and, following the race, Bolger said: “We’ve something to go to Listowel with now! He is rated 102 over fences and has a few options. He’ll definitely go back over banks at some stage too.”

WINNER MADE ALL

McManus sponsored the other hurdle on the card, the opening Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, which was won by the Steve Mahon trained, Conor Brassil ridden Highway Royal (10/1). The Oscar gelding made virtually all and, following the race, Mahon stated: “he is a nice little horse. He ended up further back than ideal at Galway last time but came home well when he was still green.

“He is light and needs time and I’m delighted for Paul (Mannion), who is originally from Galway but is based in England and has five horse with me.”

The Denis Hogan trained and ridden Eiri Na Casca claimed a third career win and second success of 2016 when landing the Donal Downes Handicap Chase. Hogan had arrived with his challenge after the third last fence and, although the pair were short of room briefly approaching the next, Hogan kept the gelding going for a four lengths win over Curragh Golan.

The trainer/jockey “I thought it was déjà vu from Killarney with Misdflight (who was carried out at the third last fence on Thursday). It opened up for me off the turn (before two out) and they saw me late enough and tried to close the door. I had plenty of horse and was gone through, and jumped the last before going away to win nicely.

“I wasn’t sure about the trip (2m7f) and thought whatever chance I have of winning was to drop in. They went a good gallop and he worked his way into it.

“I’m delighted for Adrian (McNamara, owner) who is a great supporter of mine.”

The concluding On Course Vets Beginners Chase was won by the Colm Murphy trained Killiney Court (100/30), which won comprehensively by nine lengths under Mikey Fogarty.

Following the race, Murphy said: “It’s nice to win with him again and we’ll see what mark he gets now. He’ll probably run next in a novice handicap chase, and I’ll try to keep away from level-weights novices.”

The winner is owned by Martin Bambrick, originally from Carlow, and now based in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

HORSE TO FOLLOW

HURRY KITTY (L. Doyle): This horse has been running consistently well recently and will have solid claims next time, whether over fences or handicap hurdles, having again finished second today.

ACTING STEWARDS

Dr C. O’Flaherty, D. Pugh, A. Ryan, D. Gavin, P.D. Matthews.