O'Brien's Spirit rises after winning for friends

The well-fancied Ishebayorgrey (9/2) had to be withdrawn on veterinary advice at the start in the Kilkenny Senior Hurlers Race Day Saturday June 23rd Handicap and the conclusion of the seven furlong event was exciting with That Is The Spirit prevailing at Gowran.

Ishebayorgrey's withdrawal necessitated a 15 cent rule four to all bets but that'll matter little to connections and supporters of the winner.

Chris Hayes, aboard That Is The Spirit for Richard O'Brien, got the 8/1 chance (from 12s) home by three parts of a length from War Hero after dictating from early.

"He went very quick in Leopardstown the last day and it was completely my fault as I hadn't allowed Sean (Davis) the option of sitting in a fraction," said O'Brien.

"He took the race very well which was surprising, and he's put it all together today. He probably needs to dominate like that if he's lucky enough that they leave him alone.

"I'm delighted for his owners Bill Esdaile, who is English based and insisted that we bought this guy at the Horses In Training Sale, and also great friends from my point-to-pointing days (Westmeath Syndicate).

"Chris mentioned Sligo as there is a rated race there that he might get into."

W.J. Lee, rider of Snowstar trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount checked half a furlong from the finish.

K.J. Leonard, rider of Ishebayorgrey trained by Patrick Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stumbled on the way to the start and was withdrawn at the start.

(AM & EM)