Kilfenora has the big race winning habit now

Kilfenora (11/2 out to 7/1) put up a lovely performance to defy top-weight in the featured Grade B Navan Handicap Hurdle.

The J P McManus-owned and Eddie Harty-trained eight-year-old was following up on a success in the Brown Lad at Naas in November.

A nine pound rise in the weights couldn’t stop Mark Walsh’s mount as he still moved sweetly in the straight. Alfa Mix wasn’t fluent two out and ultimately went down by a length and a quarter to Kilfenora.

They left Court Maid no less than eighteen lengths back in third.

"He is a smart horse. This is his game and he is going to be hitting a rating of 150 now but I'm going to enjoy two Graded successes with him. Not many horses achieve that in a lifetime and we'll worry about a plan when Frank (Berry, McManus' racing manager) gets back," said Harty.

"The ground might scupper Leopardstown for him and we might have to look for a Grade 2 or 3 race if we have to go that route because he'll be limited enough with the handicaps he can go for.

"He won't be going back over fences any time soon as if you can do one thing well, stay doing it. His jumping was very slick today."

P.D. Kennedy, rider of Got Trumped (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly and was pulled up.

(TW & EM)