Kennedy rides out his claim on Neverushacon

Paddy Kennedy rode out his claim in style, as he partnered Neverushacon to easy win in Party Time Ltd. Marquee Hire Chase.

The versatile Jessica Harrington trained seven-year-old was last successful over flights at Killarney in May, finishing fifth and eleventh on his most recent starts on the level.

Back over fences today for the first time since November, the 143 rated gelding was sent off the clear 5/4 favourite in the colours of owner David Reid Scott.

Settled in third, he improved into second from three out and eased to the front before the next, keeping on well from there to score by twelve lengths. The Game Changer (7/4) finished second under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott, while Attribution was another fourteen lengths back in third.

Kennedy, who of course was riding his sixtieth winner, said afterwards: “He was entitled to do that on ratings and was thrown in at the weights. He did it well to be fair and I'd say he has the option of the Galway Hurdle, which he might only scrape into from 122, or more than likely the Galway Plate.

"He won at Galway last year and he was 143 today so the handicapper might be good to him and leave him at the bottom of the weights in the Plate. I think the 2m 6f in the Plate would be no bother to him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes