Jonathan Moore debriefs owner Shane Pegley (right) and trainer Tom O'Connor (second from right)© Photo Healy Racing
Lilshane recorded his third career success as he took the Kilberry Handicap Hurdle under Jonathan Moore for trainer Tom O'Connor.
Successful at Fairyhouse and Naas last season the son of Beneficial went down by just a short head to Solita at Leopardstown on his last start.
Sent off a 4/1 chance today he raced in second as Conright Boy attempted to make all.
The winner travelled best from the third last and hit the front on the approach to the last, keeping on well on the run-in to score by four lengths. Velocity Boy (6/1) ran a fine race on his return to action, keeping on well to finish second under Barry Cash for Willie Murphy. Sir Scorpion was sent off the well-supported 5/2 favourite (from 11/2 in a place this morning) and he finished a further length and a half back in third under Barry Geraghty for Tom Mullins.
Tom O’Connor, who trains in Kerry, said afterwards: "He's got more genuine at the start, and has also had a wind operation. Once he starts he's fine and he doesn’t know when to give up.
"I don't know where we will go next but we'll sit down a make a plan. I have two full-sisters at home."
The winner is owned by Shane Pegley from Abbeyfeale.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
