Doctor Duffy and Kevin Brouder jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
Doctor Duffy (6/5 fav) put in a solid round of jumping to take the Kieran Kelly Memorial Beginners’ Chase under replacement rider Kevin Brouder.
Racing close to the pace throughout, the Craigsteel gelding held a healthy advantage as he turned to face the final fence with his pursuers making no impression at that point.
The 7-year-old popped over the last and galloped on to record a nine length victory over Aforementioned
Three times a winner over hurdles, the winner was getting off the mark at the fourth attempt over fences, having been turned over at short odds on his previous two outings.
Brouder, back amongst the winners at Sligo during the week after a quiet spell, came in for the winning ‘spare’ when Cathal Landers had a fall in the opening race of the meeting.
Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said: “I suppose it was overdue. I put on the visor today to help his jumping and it didn’t look to be working at all over the first three or four.
“Then he got a lead and he got him jumping and he was brilliant after that. It’s great to get the win.
“We have no great plans and I suppose he’ll have to go handicapping now.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
