Kilcrea, right, beats Na Trachtalai Abu in Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
Kilcrea foiled a gamble on Na Trachtalai Abu in the extended two mile six handicap chase at Killarney after a battle between the pair.
Kilcrea held a narrow lead on the approach to the second last but Na Trachtalai Abu made progress to jump that fence in third, just behind Kilcrea and Glenwood For Ever
Na Trachtalai Abu continued his progress to jump the last alongside Kilcrea but the latter got away from it slightly the quicker. The whips were drawn on both but Kilcrea saw off his rival by half a length at 14/1.
The runner-up was an 11/2 chance. He was backed throughout the day from 12/1. Curragh Golan (9/2) came through for third, a further three and a half lengths behind.
Handler Jimmy Mangan said: "The rain was a big help and it slowed up the rest of them. Philip gave him a super ride and was able to dictate from the front.
"He's due a change of address as I was saying to Michael (O'Driscoll, owner) last week so if he goes up much in the handicap maybe he belongs in England but we'll see - we're not going to give him away or anything!
"He has given us great fun and he'd be a terrific ride for the Topham (Chase at Aintree)."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
