Kanes ends campaign in style

Kanes Pass capped a great domestic season for trainer Willie McCreery when claiming the Knockaire Strakes at Leopardstown this afternoon.

The Curragh handler enjoyed his finest hour this year with the Group 1 victory of Fiesolana and her lead horse grabbed the limelight herself with this Listed success.

Billy Lee settled the 16/1 shot in mid-division before she came with a strong surge inside the final furlong. The Clodovil filly got up in the closing stages for a length success over the fast finishing Francis Of Assisi

The winner had been third in Listed company at Naas just last week and McCreery had his doubts about turning out again quickly.

“She's an honest little filly and has improved all year. She leads Fiesolana and deserves that in her own right,” said McCreery.

“I was delighted with her third last week but when I looked back at the video and Leigh (Roche) dropped his whip I thought she could have been closer.

“I told Billy to ride her to get home. She doesn't bounce back out of her races too well so I told him to see how she was travelling. “

If there is anyone to give them a quiet ride and ride them with confidence it's Billy and she won well in the end.

“The plan was last week and we were being greedy today. We can blame Pat Cosgrove. I didn't want to run her as I thought it was unfair!

“I'm delighted for Betty and Pat who were my first owners in the yard. She was one of the first mares they bred and I'm absolutely thrilled.

“I don't know the plan and we'll see how she comes out of the winter. We'll think about a sire first and she could maybe come back for a Group 3.”