The final race of 2011 at Killarney Racecourse, the Grand Hotel Killarney Handicap Hurdle went to the Kelly father and son team of trainer Pat and rider Tony as they combined to score with Markey Cee
On his thirty second career start the son of Sassanian was recording his first ever success, having being placed eight times before.
Having finished fifth in a handicap hurdle behind Another Ambition at Galway in August of last year the 8yo was not seen again until last month where he ran a nice race, finishing third behind Information at Ballinrobe.
Today, Arkmore Vallee and the winner raced clear of the field after the sixth flight. The former then tired before the third last, leaving Markey Cee in a clear lead. He stayed on well from there to score easily by nine lengths at 6/1. Fitzgutentyte fared best of the rest back in second at 10/1, Serra Nova was a further five lengths back in third at 25/1 while Baby Be Mine completed the placings a further length back in fourth at 8/1.
The 7/2 favourite Im Suir for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend could only manage a disappointing sixth.
Donal Murphy
