Winner Katie T (nearside) and Shield© Photo Healy Racing
There were a few unusual flavours to the finish of the opening Paddy Power Cash Card Maiden Hurdle at Naas today, with veteran Flat trainer Kevin Prendergast recording his first jumping winner in ten years with Katie T which defeated the Aidan O'Brien trained Shield under Tony McCoy.
Katie T was confidently handled by jockey Adrian Heskin who produced the mare to lead after the final flight, moving ahead of McCoy (in J.P. McManus' colours) on Shield before eventually recording a length and a half success.
Prendergast's previous winner over jumps was gained with Rolling Home at Tramore in August 2004 and while the Classic winning trainer was absent, Heskin later reported “she quickened up well and she has plenty of pace from her Flat and bumper days. She's by Beneficial and handles that ground well.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
