Review KILLARNEY 19TH JUL

Michael Halford is well on course for his best season ever, and the Curragh trainer landed the featured Dawn Milk Run Handicap as the four day Festival drew to a close.

Philip Dempsey bided his time on the 6yo, swooping past Dr Torus at the furlong pole to score by 6L.

'He is a big, strong horse who carries weight well, and will go now for the GPT at Galway', said Halford, who has saddled 23 winners under both codes since the foot and mouth outbreak.

Garrett Cotter successfully adopted front-running tactics aboard Attalicus (10/1, paid 43.20 on the Tote) in the opening novice hurdle, keeping on well to beat Shareef Khan by 4L.

Ken Whelan was concussed and received a facial injury after taking a fall from Asmanyatimebefore at the first, and was taken to Tralee Hospital for observation.

Paul Carberry was stood down for seven days with concussion, and also injured a thumb, after his mount Homestead fell three out.

Charlie Swan successfully deputised for Carberry on Fast And Furious in the 1m handicap, heading Montpelier Street in the closing stages for a neck win.

Trainer Ned Mitchell was as surprised as any after Cool Climate sprung a 25/1 shock in div 1 of the 2m6f handicap hurdle.

The 8yo gelding, a point-to-point winner this year, travelled smoothly in the hands of Tom Treacy, leading two out and eased down in the closing stages to beat Lantern Leader by 3 1/2L.

'I forgot to declare a tongue tie for him today', confessed Mitchell before adding: 'He stays forever, and may go for another long distance handicap at Galway'.

Punters got back on track in div 2 where Muskerry King (5/2-7/2-11/4f) came from off a fast pace to beat Ace Conqueror by 1 1/2L.

Society Blue needed a strong drive from Barry Geraghty in the 2m1f handicap hurdle, striking the front early in the straight to record a 1L verdict over Johnny Ringo.

Daqtora (4/6-5/4f) was sent to the front over a furlong out by Pat Smullen to beat main market rival Jimmy Jinks by 3L in the 1m3f maiden.

Ballykettrail justified odds-on support in the bumper, but needed a forceful ride from Alan Crowe to hold off Dirk Bay by 3/4L.

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