Park Of Kings clears the last under Mark Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
After registering his first success at Roscommon last month, Park Of Kings followed-up in the Paddy Power 'Is It Cold Enough To Have The Heating On?' Handicap Hurdle.
Upped 8lbs for his recent win, the Paul Nolan-trained five-year-old was well-fancied to defy that rise this afternoon and was sent off the 7/4 favourite, from early shows of 5/2.
Settled in mid-division by Mark Walsh, the Walk In The Park bay took closer order from three out and was left second by the fall of the leaders Grand Cru Chatho at the next.
Pushed along to lead before the last, the JP McManus-owned victor needed to be ridden out on the run-in to hold off the challenge of One Cool Poet with just a neck between them at the line.
The admirable runner-up, who also finished second in this race 12-months ago, was returned at 18/1, with Redwood Queen (10/3) and Mr Macphisto (8/1) in third and fourth respectively.
"He had to battle hard to win. I thought he was beaten and was delighted the way he put his head out," Nolan said.
"Mark said he wouldn't want the ground any quicker.
"We'll keep going and find something similar. He's five and hopefully will progress."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Eoin G. Kelly, rider of Vale Of Glory trained by Adrian Murray, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a bad mistake and the bridle was pushed of its head.
R.A. Doyle, rider of Mr MacPhisto trained by Eoin Griffin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received interference turning in. Having reviewed the recording of the race and considered the matter the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
