He certainly didn't travel through the five furlong Today FM Handicap as sweetly as the runner-up and favourite, Lady Mega but Kernoff was much the strongest at the finish in the race three at the Curragh.

The three-year-old son of Excellent Art was ridden by Shane Foley and he was equipped with first-time cheek-pieces. Those 'aids' certainly did the gelding no harm as he powered home to prevail by two lengths.

Winning trainer Michael Halford explained: "He was a little outpaced early on. He doesn't know how to jump and sprint with the handicappers.

"It takes them time to learn to sprint. Shane said he was two lengths down with a furlong to go but he was always confident he'd get there.

"It was a nice race for him as he definitely needs a stiff five.

"It's great for John (Clague, winning owner). He's the only horse he has in training at the moment and his mother was a great patron.

"It's hard for these sprinters at three. I had him in the Scurry but I thought if he got a bad draw there it would be tough for him." (GC & EM)