Benkei and Barry Cash pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Smart Flat performer Benkei recorded his first success over flights, as he came home an easy winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle.
Rated in the high 90s on the level, the son of Galileo was available at 4s last night, opening on-course at 11/4, before going off the 5/2 market leader.
Settled behind the leaders by Barry Cash, he improved to lead before the entrance to the straight, and soon went clear, coming home eight lengths to the good. Brave Deed (9/1) filled the runner-up spot under Steven Kelly for Gavin Cromwell, while Letter Of Credit (5/1) was two and a half lengths back in third for Chris Timmons and Val O'Brien.
Winning trainer Harry Rogers said afterwards: "He's struggled over hurdles but it's nice to see him winning one. I'd say it was a bad race today but all he could do was win it.
"He could run in the Irish St Leger on Sunday. There is prize-money for the first eight and we will see how many are left in it and make a decision then.
"Hopefully he will go for the Cesarewitch. It is in Navan this year which will suit him, and there is a Group 3 in Naas that he will probably run in as well. We will let him roll along now if we can."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
