Kane & Cromwell on the mark with Star

Scenic Star (9/1) cleared appreciated the step up in trip, as he recorded his first win over hurdles in the Win A Family Weekend Away Handicap Hurdle.

Sixth to Jack Slade over two and a half miles at Bellewstown on his last start, the Gavin Cromwell trained six-year-old got his revenge on that rival this evening.

Upped in trip to two mile seven for the first time today, the Joseph Kettle owned bay was settled towards rear by Breen Kane.

He made progress into mid-division from four out and was ridden to challenge on the outer before the last.

He jumped that flight in a share of the lead, and soon hit the front, keeping on well on the run-in to score by a length.

Jack Slade, who was sent off the 11/8 favourite, came with his challenge on the run-in but he couldn't get by the winner, and had to settle for second under Jonathan Moore for Noel Meade.

The front two went three and a half lengths clear of the Sean Doyle trained Craig Star (25/1) who kept on well up the hill to finish third.

Breen Kane said afterwards: "He's not the easiest sort to ride in the world. He's a little bit hit and miss. Over two miles seven we were worried about him not switching off but I got a dream ride off him. I couldn't ask for much more.

"He's the type of horse that needs everything to be in his favour. The ability is most definitely there.

"I'm full-time with Gavin (Cromwell), I started with him about a year and a half ago and that's my 14th winner for him so I'm over the moon with that."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham