Kennady relishes mud for shock bumper win

Kennady caused a major surprise when lowering the colours of odds-on newcomer Pearl Diamond in the four-runner Clonmel Oil Slan Abhaile bumper.

Pearl Diamond was sent off at 4/7 to complete a treble on the day for Willie Mullins, successful earlier with Champagne Fever in the featured Clonmel Oil Chase and Killultagh Vic in the maiden hurdle, but punters were in for a shock.

Mikey Doran made most of the running on the 20/1 shot, and gained a vital advantage over a furlong out.

Paul Nolan 's charge was looking for the line in the closing stages as the favourite closed the gap to a diminishing half a length at the post. Railway Rule was a further seven lengths back in third.

The winner failed to trouble the judge in three previous outings (2 bumpers/1 hurdle) all on better ground.

Nolan said, ""I thought he was a certainty! Honestly though we thought an awful lot of him before he ran (on debut) at Killarney but I've never been as disappointed with a horse as he made a total fool out of us.

"He works like a very, very good horse but his runs have been horrendous. Maybe he travels much easier on that heavy ground though."

(TW & AM)