Left to right, The Black Russian (2nd), L'Attesa (centre, winner, Ian McCarthy) and Orchard Road (3rd)© Photo Healy Racing
Only four and a half lengths split the first five home in the Like Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Handicap Hurdle, and it was L'Attesa (16s into 10s) that came out on top under Ian McCarthy.
Gordon Elliott and Cian Collins looked like they might gain compensation for their second place finish in the opener with Antiphony Their Orchard Road loomed up menacingly towards the business end but he had no more to give on the run-in and faded into third.
The rallying The Black Russian got to within three parts of a length of L'Attesa at the finish.
There was no alteration after a steward's enquiry.
Winning trainer Shane Nolan said: "He'd a good chance on his previous win at Downpatrick but I don't know what happened him the last day. We gave him a bit of a break and freshened him up. He likes all the twists and turns and jumps well."
There are 11 members of the successful Red Green & White Syndicate, with the colours representing GAA Clubs Cappagh of Enfield, Kilcock and the white of County Kildare.
Meanwhile a presentation was made to Rachael Blackmore after this race as the leading rider at Kilbeggan this year with six winners. She returned to action this evening after fracturing her wrist in a fall at Galway.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final one hundred yards involving The Black Russian, ridden by S.J. Gray, placed second and L'Attesa, ridden by I.J. McCarthy, placed first, where it appeared that The Black Russian ran short of room and switched off heels. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings and took no further action.
(AM & EM)
