White Star Line in control in the Kerry National© Photo Healy Racing
< White Star Line (16-1) came off the reserves' bench to claim the Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase at Listowel.
Although he went into the valuable contest with his maiden tag over fences still intact, he had made the frame at a couple of Cheltenham Festivals and took up the running rounding the turn.
He stole a march on his rivals and it was one they never looked like clawing back as Dessie Hughes' charge stormed to victory, finishing five lengths ahead of Carlingford Lough and Muirhead < Eye Of The Storm took Listed honours in the Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes.
The 10-11 favourite, who split Sugar Boy and Galileo Rock at Sandown back in the spring, could only manage second on his recent return but took the lead off Inis Meain near the three-furlong pole here and stayed on well under mainly hands and heels riding to score by two and a half lengths.
That completed a double for Aidan and Joseph O'Brien after Craftsman confirmed the promise of his debut by going one better in the Listowel Arms Median Auction Maiden as the 2-5 market leader.< Lots Of Memories overcame a last-flight blunder to collect the prize for the Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle.
Paul Fahey's 5-2 favourite was travelling best coming to the obstacle but went down on his nose, only to regain his composure and catch Silver Tassie close home.< Cash Or Casualty came out on top in a thrilling finish to the Exchange Inn Ballybunion & Kevin Brodericks Bar Listowel Handicap.
Connor King hit the front on the 16-1 shot inside the final furlong and while he was challenged on all sides, he just held on by a neck from Canary Row
Chris Hayes' excellent run of form continued when Stony Grey (4-1) ran out a determined winner of the Seamus Mulvaney Handicap, while Asockastar came with a late rattle to spring a 25-1 surprise the M.S.D Animal Health Maiden Hurdle.
