Slatterys on the mark again with Killeaney Bear

Andy Slattery and his son and namesake teamed up to land division one of the BoyleSports Lengthen The Odds Handicap with Killeaney Bear at Leopardstown.

The son of Kodi Bear also won over nine furlongs at Tipperary last month and after finishing sixth at Galway last week, regained the winning thread in this 12-runner event.

The 7/2 chance was prominent throughout and after leading off the home turn, asserted to go two lengths clear over a furlong out.

The three-year-old held on gamely in the closing stages to beat 100/30 favourite Rotolo by a neck with Explorers Way three quarters of a length back in third.

Andy Slattery senior said, “I don’t think he handled the ground or the track in Galway last Friday.

“He’s a big shell of a horse and I think he should improve and be better at four.

“He had a hard race in Galway but bounced out of it. Monday morning he was cantering and I thought he seemed fierce well so I said I’d chance declaring him.

“He’s a big, raw horse and I think there is more to come.

“The ground was a bit tacky in Galway. I think he might go on loose ground. The sharp track didn’t help him as he has a big, long stride.”