Kerry men combine to score with Killcara

The John Supple trained Killcara Boy took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at the odds of 11/1 with Joe Holly aboard, getting the better of the 9/4 favourite Leah Claire who finished in the runner-up spot for the second time at Listowel.

The winning 6yo son of Tobougg started off his career on the level in England with Henry Candy winning two, over a mile and four. He then moved to his current yard in 2009 and failed to win on his nine starts before today.

Prominent throughout in the chasing group, he closed on the leaders from the third last. He then hit the front two out and held off the challenge of Leah Claire at the last before going on to score by two and a half lengths. Sean Airgead kept on well to take third three parts of a length behind at the odds of 7/1.

Winning trainer John Supple, who trains in Abbeyfeale but is originally from the nearby village of Ballyduff, said afterwards: "Joe (Holly) has been with me over a year and hopefully we will team up for a few more winners this season.

"He has been a troublesome horse to train as he has a mind of his own. The slow ground helped him today.

"He has the ability to jump a fence but whether he has the interest is another story. For the time being we will keep him going in handicap hurdles."

Winning rider fellow Kerryman Joe Holly, from the village of Asdee, was recording his first winner since riding Burnswood (also trained by John Supple) to victory at Naas in November of last year.