Carrigmoorna Matt and Philip Enright © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Vincent Halley recorded his second winner in four days as his Carrigmoorna Matt made it third time lucky over hurdles at Killarney today, making virtually all to win the opening Sheila Mac Kelliher Maiden Hurdle under jockey Philip Enright.
Heavy rain made ground conditions testing and the son of Westerner, runner-up in a January point-to-point in 2016, seemed to revel on the surface. There were four early casualties at the first two flights and Carrigmoorna Matt was left in front once Impact Player pulled up quickly at the fifth hurdle. From there, Carrigmoorna Matt made the rest of the running and in the end stayed on gamely to beat Harold Peto by half a length.
Afterwards Halley stated “Phillip gave him a super ride and made it a good test of his stamina - we knew he stayed three miles. Phillip said he was just idling in front, and he jumped super.
"The soft ground made a big difference. He's from a nice family and will go chasing in the winter but I'm not sure what we will do now."
Halley was also successful at Kilbeggan on Friday evening with Mr Picotee.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
