Old Kilcash jumps a hurdle on his way to victory under Danny Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Old Kilcash made all to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle, scoring easily under Danny Mullins for John 'Shark' Hanlon.
The Barry Connell owned gelding crashed out at the last when looking the most likely winner on his hurdling debut at Ballinrobe in August, and he then finished fifth at Listowel in the race won by Asockstar.
A 2/1 chance with Paddy Power this morning, the son of Urban Ocean went from 13/8 to clear 6/4 favouritism on-course.
Having led from the start, the point-to-point winner travelled strongly approaching the third last, and he went clear before the next.
He was pushed out on the run-in to come home an easy twenty-four length victor, with Nell’s Nan (8/1) back in second under Paddy Kennedy for John McConnell, while My Aya was a further nine lengths back in third under Davy Condon for Noel Meade at 7/2.
John 'Shark' Hanlon said afterwards: "He was going to win in Ballinrobe before what happened him. He got such a fright when he fell he didn’t know what to do the next time.
"I never lost faith in him, he is a good horse and he did it very well.
"When he goes over fences he will have his day, but he will stay hurdling this season.
"He jumped well and got a great ride. Danny knows him well, the further he goes the better he is. Three miles plus is his trip and I’m delighted for Barry Connell as he has put a lot of money into the horse."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
