Kilcross Boy (centre) jumps the last before running on strongly to score under Paddy Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
25/1 outsider Kilcross Boy ran on strongly after the last under Paddy Kennedy to take the first division of the Kelloggs Cul Camps Handicap Hurdle for his Kilcross, Inistioge based trainer John Clifford.
Having run in six bumpers and three maiden hurdles the 7yo son of Snurge had his first start in handicap company at Cork last time out where he finished a well beaten ninth behind Doctor Henry.
Upped in trip to three miles for the first time today, the bay gelding clearly showed his liking for this distance as he stayed on strongly from after the last to lead on the run-in scoring by half a length at the line. Torre Del Greco for Iggy Madden & Paddy Mangan finished second at 10/1, Bothar Clei was a further length and a quarter back in third also at 10/1 for Daniel Murphy and Eoin O’Brien while Too Wild For Der completed the placings a neck back in fourth at 8/1 for Margaret Flynn and Tim Carroll.
Winning trainer John Clifford said afterwards: "I wasn’t overly surprised. We upped him in trip and he will go for another handicap next.”
Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes
