Tornedo Shay let down favourite backers in the Killarney Veterinary Clinic Qualified Riders Race, as the 1/2 favourite was put in his place by Dundrum for the Harrington mother and daughter combination of trainer, Jessica and rider Kate.
The winning, 7yo son of Marju, who started his career off on the level for John Glesson, had failed to get his head in front on ten previous attempts under Flat rules, but made no mistake here, winning by an easy eight lengths.
The three time winner under National Hunt rules was sent off the 11/2 second favourite having finished third in the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh on his last start.
Racing prominently throughout, he was on terms with the leader Table Forty Six into straight, he soon took up the lead and was ridden clear from over two furlongs out. He stayed on well from there to score comfortably from Tornedo Shay back in second.
Five time winner Valain who was having his first run since September of last year, finished a respectable third under Nina Carberry, seven lengths back.
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "I'm delighted with that as I didn't think he would win, I thought Tornedo Shay would.
"He will go for the Galway Plate next. He has 9-10 and I presume he will get in."
Donal Murphy
