Father Jed helps trainer Ryan to Clonmel double

Father Jed provided trainer John Ryan with a second winner on the card when quickening up late on to take the Botanica International Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The eleven-year-old was noted making stylish headway just behind the leaders turning into the straight and rider Donagh Meyler was still sitting pretty coming down to the last.

A three-way battle ensued over that final flight but the Ryan trained veteran showed the smarter turn of foot to claim the race.

John Ryan said; "he is a great old favourite and Donagh gave him a peach of a ride and is a top class rider. Donagh won big pots for me as a claimer and has been coming in to me a few days a week recently. He'll ride mine along with Danny Mullins, Bryan Cooper, Shane Fitzgerald and some other lads.

"The horse will mix between hurdles and fences for the summer but is better over fences.

"It has been a great start to the season, it's grand to get going again."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.