Ducky lands a gamble under Whelan

The well-backed Ducky Mallon took the twenty-six runner Kildare Medieval Festival Handicap, scoring under Ronan Whelan for trainer Donal Kinsella.

Available at 18/1 in a place this morning, the grey son of Jeremy opened on-course at just 13/2, before going off the 11/2 market leader.

Settled behind the leaders, the five-year-old took closer order from the two furlong pole, and was pushed along to challenge with over a furlong to go.

He had a good battle with Enter The Red inside the final furlong, getting on top in the closing stages, going on to score by half a length.

The runner-up was returned at 12/1 (from 14's) under Leigh Roche for Aidan Howard, while Lake George (7's to 13/2) was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Daniel Redmond for James Barrett. Lily's Prince completed the placings a neck back in fourth under Colin Keane for Garvan Donnelly at 20/1.

"I believe he was the gamble of the day - I wonder who that was!" joked Kinsella.

"He's been very unlucky this year. He got the run of the race today and Ronan gave him a great ride.

"He did exactly what I hoped he'd do and didn't ask him too early.

"Please God he'll win again and we'll go to Kerry (Listowel) now next month."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson