Buster makes all under Kennedy

Buster Dan Dan bounced back to his best as he made all to win the Dawn Omega Milk Handicap Hurdle under Jack Kennedy for Mikey O'Connor.

The seven-year-old son of Buster King won his maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in August of last year and was placed on his next two outings in handicap company.

He then ran out a good winner of a handicap at Punchestown in October before disappointing at Cheltenham the following month.

He finished down the field on his return to action at Wexford in April and he went off at 8/1 today having opened at 14's with Paddy Power last night.

Having raced in a clear lead for most his advantage was reduced from the fourth last. However he kept up the gallop in the home straight and came home four lengths to the good. Kennedys Mor was sent off the 5/2 favourite (from 10/3) and he finished second under David Mullins for John Murphy while Finish In Style (16/1) was a neck back in third under Niall Madden for Enda Bolger.

Mikey O'Connor said afterwards: "Eoin O'Sullivan, son of the owner Noel, has been riding him out for me at home and the horse means everything to him.

"It was Jack's (Kennedy) first ride for me and is great value for his seven pounds claim.

"I've only him (Buster Dan Dan) and Smiler in training at the moment and hope to return to race riding in three or four weeks."

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.E. Mullins, rider of Tristram Shandy trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a mistake at the first fence and never travelled thereafter.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Tristram Shandy, trained by E. McNamara, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be distressed post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes