Kennedy praised after guiding Begun to success

It'sonlyjustbegun justified favouritism in fine style with a cosy success in the apprentice handicap at Navan this afternoon.

The Jessica Harrington-trained filly went to post the 7/4 market leader after a promising effort to finish fourth on her handicap debut at Roscommon 11 days ago.

Keithen Kennedy settled behind the leaders on the daughter of Churchill before producing her to lead over a furlong from home.

She was nursed home in the closing stages to record a length victory over the fast finishing Explorers Way

Harrington said: "In Roscommon she just missed the kick, she got upset in the stalls and missed the kick. Around there, she couldn't get into it.

"I'd love him (Kennedy) to win it (apprentice title) this year.

"Every time she hung a bit, he straightened her up. He's very good and he is a lovely lad. Shane (Foley) hits him over the head practically every morning!

"I'll see where we go, but she will step up in class a bit now. I think she will get a mile and a-half.

"She's a very big filly and I just think 'give her a bit of time'."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)