Kiltealy Park © Photo Healy Racing
Paul Nolan struck at his local track when Kiltealy Park (15/2), ridden by fellow 'Wexican' Sean Flanagan, landed the mares' maiden on her third start over hurdles.
Beaten two noses into third on hurdling debut at Punchestown in January, the daughter of Walk In The Park, owned by the Browne Bros Partnership, raced close to the pace and moved up to challenge at the second-last which she jumped awkwardly.
Soon in front, she wasn't foot perfect at the last either but knuckled down to her task to hold the staying-on Grooveykindoflove by half a length.
“She was a bit unlucky in Punchestown first time out when she made a mistake at the third last. It didn't work out a fantastic race and she didn't handle the ground at Clonmel, she was beaten after a circuit,” said Nolan.
“Today the better ground suited and they seemed to go a nice gallop the whole way. We'll keep her in for the summer.
“Sean said she was leery enough and tried to throw it away at the second last and last, she didn't do herself any favours.
“She's a maiden hurdle winner now anyway and she's going the right way. She'll jump a fence in time, she was placed in a couple of point-to-points for Colin Bowe.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
