BOYLESPORTS HURDLE

(Grade B)

HIS very occasional forays with jumpers have always warranted close attention and Katie T, who represents half of Kevin Prendergast’s National Hunt string, showed just why as she struck gold in the Boylesports Hurdle.

In a typically competitive renewal of this €100,000 prize, Katie T produced the performance of her life to record a hugely popular success in which Prendergast had notable ties on all fronts. Winning jockey Brian Hughes was apprenticed to the trainer on the flat for almost four years while the Beneficial mare is owned by Stephen Barry and Andrew White, whose father Willie worked for the trainer for over 30 years.

Prendergast has sent out high profile jumping winners at Leopardstown before as Prominent King won the Irish Champion Hurdle in 1976 and 1978.

Furthermore he also landed a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival with Our Bid in 1999 while Katie T herself had won at Grade 3 level at Limerick last March.

As he looked to continue an excellent season with over 70 winners in Britain, Hughes had the six-year-old well positioned at all stages and Katie T was travelling very strongly in a close fourth jumping at the second last.

The 12/1 chance then looked set to quicken past Modem when leading just before the final flight although she was somewhat slow there.

This gave a rallying Modem some hope but as he attempted to get back up on Katie T’s inner she drifted left and hampered his renewed effort.

The mare picked up well when getting back on an even keel to prevail by three lengths from Modem. Ted Veale ran a tremendous race off top-weight to take third with Savello also catching the eye with his fourth place finish.

“She travelled well and jumped well and did everything right and I’d hope that on good ground she might be a bit better still,” said Prendergast.

“She’s been going well at home and I was hoping that she would run a big race. I think staying at home might be the best option for her so we’ll keep her back for the likes of Punchestown and Galway. Brian was apprenticed to me and was with me for about four years and I’m surprised more of the bigger trainers in the UK don’t use him as he’s a superb rider.”

As a result of Katie T coming in on top of Modem on the run-in the stewards gave the winning rider a two-day careless riding ban.