Kearney collects amidst jumping switch

Jack Kearney has recently switched codes to ride over jumps but today bagged a winner for one of his principal flat supporters trainer Ger Lyons, when landing the Gowran Park Handicap on Pier Pressure (17/2).

Kearney, now predominantly based with Gavin Cromwell over jumps, held Pier Pressure in mid-field and while he led narrowly inside the final furlong, was all-out to score in a tight finish from runner-up Elgant Madame with Lyons' other runner Vivienda finishing a close third.

Afterwards Lyons said “it's a pity for Amy Jo (Hayes, jockey) as I used to work with her father and she was due to ride him but was claimed for one of her regular stables today, so we went back to Jack who has gone jumping.

“The horse loves getting in to trouble and he's due that win. We kept him on the team, he leads work at home and he'll pay his way.

“The other filly (Vivienda) is inexperienced, was a three-year-old racing against older hardened horses and it was her first time in a big handicap. There are plenty of days in her.”

Quotes from Gary Carson