Kitty & O'Keeffe are not for catching

Kitty Galore made the breakthrough over flights as she made all in the Irish Racing Wall Calendar 2021 Mares Handicap Hurdle.

The John Ryan trained six-year-old was placed on two of her last three starts and making her debut in handicap company this afternoon, she was sent off a 15/2 chance (12s in early shows).

Sent straight to the front by Sean O'Keeffe and in a clear lead for much of the contest, the bay victor was pushed along from two out and kept on well when ridden on the run-in, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths. Bridge Native (15/8f) closed on the winner in the straight, but couldn't get on terms and she eventually finished second under Conor Orr for Dot Love.

The Noel Meade trained Dinard Rose (6/1) completed the placings another four lengths back in third.

Ryan, who also owns the winner, said afterwards: "She is from the family of Denman and has lots going for her.

"She had tying up problems last year and we've got the better of them and she is a different mare this year. Down the road she could be very good as she jumps a fence very well.

"Sean gave her a brilliant ride and that chap is flying for a reason."

"I was disgusted with the first race as I think The Little Yank would have won if he wasn't hampered and Fairyhill Run ran a cracker.

"Fairyhill Run will stay to pattern races, The Little Yank is coming back to where he was last year.

"It depends on what the handicapper does to Kitty Galore now."

STEWARDS REPORT

D.F. O'Regan, rider of Annie Pender trained by John Queally, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes