Licklighter and Katie Walsh in full flow© Photo Healy Racing
Pat Kelly and Katie Walsh teamed up to take the bumper at Killarney, the Meet The Roses At The Races (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race, with Licklighter
Having pulled up on his debut in a point-to-point at Laurencetown in May of 2015, the son of Brian Boru wasn't seen again until he lined-up in a maiden hurdle at Listowel last month.
He put in an encouraging performance there to finish second to Mai Fitzs Jack, and he was sent off a 4/1 chance this evening.
Settled towards rear by Walsh, the five-year-old gelding took closer order from four furlongs out, and was pushed along to go in pursuit of the leader with over two furlongs to race.
He was ridden to challenge with over a furlong to go, and he soon got to the front, going on to score by four lengths. Bensachuine (10/3), who attempted to make all, had to settle for second under Jane Mangan for Denis Hogan, while Moroval (11/2) was a further six and a half lengths back in third under Jeannie Cook for Henry De Bromhead. Seaboard was sent off the 3/1 favourite and he was a head back in fourth under Sarah O'Brien for John 'Shark' Hanlon.
Katie Walsh said afterwards: "They went a good gallop and he loves that ground. He had a nice run over hurdles the last day and he's a nice horse and we pulled a long way clear of the third horse.
"He'll win races and we all know he jumps because he jumped exceptionally well over hurdles the last day."
The winner is owned by Michael Dixon who combined with Kelly to win the Galway Hurdle in 1992 with Natalies Fancy.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
