Katys Girl and Keith Donoghue pop the last at Kilbeggan© Photo Healy Racing
Katys Girl won the Pat Doyle Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan for the second year in-a-row, but this time for Gillian Callaghan.
Keith Donoghue pushed her into the lead from flagfall and after jumping the third last the pair took five lengths out of the chasing pack. From there Donoghue could afford several looks round his shoulder checking for dangers as he kept her up to her work.
The seven-year-old’s SP was 8/1 and this made it two wins and a place from four outings at Kilbeggan.
She beat Jack the Hat (3/1f) by nine lengths who in turn was three lengths in front of Hipwells Mill (20/1). Cherryantor completed the placings in fourth at 25/1.
Trainer Gillian Callaghan’s husband Barry said: “She was entitled to that. Two runs back she was a bit unlucky at Down Royal – that was the first time she got her ground since Gillian got her, but she ducked out at the second last. We think she got blinded or something as she’s a genuine sort.
“She probably needed the run a bit in Tramore and came on a bit for it. Gillian decided to take her chance with her here as she was in good form.
“I hope the handicapper is not too hard on her as she is what she is. She wants that nice ground.”
Katys Girl won this race last year when trained by Oliver Brady.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
