Stanhope (Keithen Kennedy, nearside) short headed Layoftheland (Paddy Harnett) © Photo Healy Racing
Keithen Kennedy put behind his Leopardstown troubles from last evening to win the Flower Hill Apprentice Handicap at Navan this afternoon aboard course specialist Stanhope
Kennedy was demoted and handed a 7-day ban after crossing the line in front at the Foxrock venue on Friday aboard Mo Ghille Mar.
Back in business here at Proudstown Park Kennedy got John McConnell's successful ten-year-old up to short head Layoftheland in a big field sprint.
Paddy Harnett put up two pounds over-weight on the runner-up, who was hammered in the betting from 11/4 into 13/8 favourite. It's been a luckless week for that one, after a Sligo silver medal during the week.
"I hadn't a clue to be honest (if he was up). I think we were both holding our breath (Paddy Harnett on runner-up Layoftheland) a little bit and hoping for the best," said Kennedy.
"He's a great old horse and has been knocking on the door the last twice - he really deserved it there today.
"I'm not sure why he likes Navan so much, I think it suits him because he hits a little bit of a flat spot in his race and the downhill run suits him.
"That's 15 winners, so things are going well."
J. Kearney, rider of Shoebox King trained by Kevin Thomas Coleman, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount lugged left up the straight.
J.J.G. Ryan, rider of Hope And Innocence trained by T.G.McCourt, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away from the stalls.
R. Whearty, rider of Jacks Inn trained by John M.Harney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
R.M Mulligan, rider of Sin E Shekells (GB), trained by J.G. Murray, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he lost his irons leaving the stalls. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start of this race and were satisfied that Sin E Shekells had struck the gates after they had started to open and that no further action was warranted.
(MG & EM)
