Ming Dynasty (far side) jumps the last alongside Ejayteekay© Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Cromwell recorded his seventh winner of the week, as Ming Dynasty led home stable companion Ejayteekay in the feature at Bellewstown this evening, the Fast Shipping Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle.
A high-class operator on the level, the son of King's Best recorded his first success over flights at Naas in February before disappointing on his next three outings.
He bounced back to form when successful at Kilbeggan last month and was sent off at 9/1 to follow-up today.
Settled in mid-division by Jonathan Moore, the bay victor took closer order from four out and came with his challenge before the second last.
He edged to the front from the final flight and kept on well under pressure from there to score by two lengths.
The aforementioned Ejayteekay was returned at 7/1 under Paul Townend, while the Gordon Elliott trained Walkabout (33/1) was another seven lengths back in third. Kildorrery was sent off a well-backed 4/1 favourite (14s early and from 11/2 on-course) and he faded from three out, eventually finishing ninth.
"That's brilliant. He was a classy horse on the Flat, his wind is not the best and he wants nice ground," said Cromwell who trains the winner for owner Martin Hannan.
"When things went his way I knew there was a good race in him.
"The mare (Ejayteekay) ran a cracker. She might have been in front a fraction too soon, and missed the last, but she ran a blinder.
"It's unfortunate for them to bump into each other but with a prize like that you'd have to run them."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kildorrery, trained by T.M. Walsh, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal.
D.N. Russell, rider of Star Maker (GB) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly and was pulled up.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
