King's Parade appreciates step up in trip

The 4yo King's Parade took the second National Hunt race on the card at Naas this afternoon, the Profile Systems Handicap Hurdle over 2m 4f for his trainer Aidan Walsh with Conor Maxwell aboard.

The son of Dynaformer, an American stallion who also sired Blue Bunting, began his career in the care of Michael Stoute but after five unsuccessful starts for him he was sold for just 9,000 guineas to Whelan at the Newmarket July Sales.

On just his third start in Ireland he scored in a maiden hurdle over 2m 3f at Downpatrick in March earlier this year.

He then disappointed on his next two outings over 2m at Punchestown and Dundalk but ran much better on his last two starts again over 2m at Fairyhouse finishing third and sixth respectively.

Sent off at 10/1 today he took up the running entering the straight and fended off all challengers before asserting on the run to the last. He kept on well from there to score by four and a half lengths from, the only other 4yo in the race, Gamede (16/1). Wee Giant finished a further four and three parts of a length back in third at 13/2 under Paul Townend while Clarkey who was sent off the 4/1 favourite could only manage sixth for Christy Roche & Alan Crowe.

The win was a welcome one for winning rider Conor Maxwell who last tasted success back in May of this year at Killarney aboard Ballintemple Star.

Aidan Whelan, who is based in Ratoath, Co Meath, said afterwards: "He wanted ever yard of that. The ease in the ground helped him. We will look at another handicap hurdle for him now over 2m 4f plus."