Arabian King makes winning hurdling debut for Smith

Arabian King landed some nice bets when making a winning start to his career with new trainer Matthew Smith in the Kerry Drain Services Maiden Hurdle at Killarney.

Formerly in the care of John Ferguson, the six-year-old was making his first start since last October. Well supported on track from 12/1 down to 15/2, the gelding did the job nicely despite showing obvious inexperience.

Keith Donoghue was travelling well behind the leaders going to the second last but a clumsy job left Arabian King with work to do. He responded well to pressure and recovered to make a challenge between horses at the final flight.

Favourite Benny The Duke was still in contention despite some poor jumping but he jinked right and unseated Jack Foley at that hurdle.

Arabian King showed plenty of determination to reel in Val The Man close home and win with a bit in hand.

Keith Donoghue said; "we were confident coming here and his work had been good. We were obviously a bit worried about his jumping obviously as, at this time of year, he hadn't jumped on grass. I thought with a clear round he would go close.

"He made a few novicey mistakes but he jumped the last well and won a little bit snug in the end."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes