Aidan Kelly holds aloft the Molony Cup© Photo Healy Racing
There were three in with every chance from the back of the last in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase, and at the line Open To The World (10/1) prevailed by a short head from Lady Writer (6/1). Sunchyme (16/1), returning from a very long lay-off, ran his heart out to finish two and a half lengths further back in third, while the 5/2 favourite Shanroe Al C was cannoned into by a rival jumping the sixth and rider Johnny Barry was unluckily unseated.
The winner, a ten-year-old mare by Shantou, had previously won a maiden hurdle at Killarney, and this was first win over fences with two runner-up finishes at Downpatrick being her previous best efforts over the larger obstacles.
This was a first winner for Aidan Kelly, who was claiming 7lbs off a mare he knows well, this being his tenth time to partner her in a race.
"Aidan is well able to ride and is with me from the start, said winning trainer Padraig Roche.
"He came from RACE and went to dad (Christy) for two years and stayed with me and is a great worker.
"We only kept the mare to give Aidan a few rides and when you are trying to get going yourself it is hard to get the young lads going as well. Today was due to be her last run as she will be covered but we may run her again now after that.
"You couldn't have a trip long enough for her and I'm more delighted for Aidan more than anyone. We might now see if there's another handicap chase for her soon."
Winning rider Aidan Kelly remarked: "I'm delighted and it was supposed to be the mare's last run. I'm with Padraig every day and he lets me out to ride as much work as much I can so I'm very grateful to him.
"I'm with him two years and he has given me a load of chances. I'm 18 and from Monasterevin."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
