Mac`s Supreme became the first British trained winner of the Guinness Kerry National for nine years when taking the #80,000 feature in fine style under Timmy Murphy.
The Ferdy Murphy-trained gelding struck the front with a mighty leap at the third last fence, and stayed on well in the straight to overcome the persistent challenge of River Cora by two and a half lengths. The lightly-raced eight-year-old was off the course for a considerable time after sustaining a deep cut over hurdles, and Murphy paid tribute to leading vet Ned Gowing in getting him back on the track. 'He always had a good engine, and is still a novice this season. He is a good, tough horse on the upgrade,' said Murphy, who added: 'My assistant, John Supple, brought the horse over a week ago, and he has been staying nearby in Ballyduff with farmer Mossy Whelan.'
Paul Carberry sustained a left knee ligament injury when Super Franky fell at the second last. 'He had a similar injury three years ago, and is stood down for seven days while the extent of the damage can be assessed,' said Turf Club doctor Walter Halley. Wolseley Lord`s rider Garrett Cotter was stood down for 24 hours with a bruised ankle.
Brown Paddy relished the testing conditions in the two and three quarter mile maiden hurdle, heading Sophronia before the last to record a three length victory under Jason Titley. 'I really fancied him for the four miler at Cheltenham but the ground was agaisnt him. He is tough, and everything was right for him today,' said Limerick trainer Michael Hourigan, who intends running the eight-year-old in a novice chase here tomorrow.
Hourigan later doubled up when Philip Fenton drove Mr Red Banner clear in the straight to beat Red Paddy by 14 lengths in the bumper.
Hot Stuff will also be sent chasing soon after touching off market-rival Vanilla Man in the two mile conditions hurdle. Barry Geraghty`s mount only led inside the final 50 yards to score by a neck. 'I was not that keen to run as I thought the ground wouldn`t suit him,' said trainer John Kiely.
Miles Byrne, successful at this meeting last year, led before halfway under John Cullen to beat Rhum Dancer by three and a half lengths in the two mile handicap chase.
Pat Smullen and Dermot Weld both opened their account for the week when Mutakarrim completed a four-timer in the mile and a half conditions race. The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned colt headed Hill Port a furlong out to score by a length. 'He is a tough horse, and has progressed well since his first win at Tramore last month,' said the winning trainer`s son, Mark.
One For The Money (Eddie Ahern) was prominent throughout, and held off the challenge of Cosi island by a neck in the seven furlong handicap.
Ahern was fancied to complete a quick double half-an-hour later in the mile handicap aboard Tammany Hall (14/1 to 13/2). However Ger Cusack`s charge was never travelling well, and eventually finished eighth behind the Wayne Smith-ridden Euphoric. Tadhg O`Shea, who partnered the 7/4 favourite Oran, was given a three day suspension for careless riding following an incident before the final bend where Flying Boat was checked.
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