Dorans River delights Rothwell in Kilbeggan

Philip Rothwell was full of pride in Dorans River who won the second split of Kilbeggan's opportunity handicap hurdle.

James O'Sullivan made headway on him before 4 out and the duo moved through to lead before the last.

They were strong on the run-in to score by three and three-quarter lengths at 8/1. Emily In Paris was headed before the last and had no answers in second at 12/1. Hard Target (8/1) was the same distance away in third.

“I'm thrilled, he's a lovely old horse,” said Rothwell.

“We gave him a break when I got him as he had a few little things. I get a great amount of pleasure out of seeing an old horse like that running well.

“Native Jack won the cross-country in Cheltenham for me when he was 12 and he went back at 14, having not run for a year, and was second.

“It's lovely to see an old horse like that sound and enjoying being in a race.

“He's been running really well, we sort of let him improve himself. He was third the last day and I thought he ran a cracker, it's great to see him winning.

“We'll run him away on summer ground and he might get retired come the winter.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson