Gerard Kennedy saddled his first winner when La Shalak benefitted from a fine tactical ride by Paul Scallan to take the Pool Court Handicap at Clonmel yesterday evening.
The Shalford filly recorded a pillar to post victory, building up a decisive lead when sent clear on the downhill run before the straight. She kept on gamely under pressure inside the final quarter mile to hold Siamsa by three lengths.
Kennedy, who trains under permit just 20 miles from the course in Killenaule, said: 'I have three horses in training, and took out a permit at the end of last year.'
Paul Carberry and Noel Meade teamed up for a 9/1 double with Link Hill and Clanlucky. Link Hill was left in front after Conzara made a bad blunder at the last to take the Clancy Construction, while Clanlucky made most half-an-hour later to land the Midsummers Day Handicap Hurdle.
She's Wonderful, who is in foal to King George winner King's Theatre, swept clear under Niall McCullagh early in the straight to land the Fair Oak Foods Handicap. Tom Kidd's charge was eased right down in the closing stages but still had nine lengths to spare over the staying on Breathonme.
Donal Bromley was in hot water with the stewards after partnering Shabob to finish fourth behind Rash Decision in the Michael Tierney Handicap Hurdle. Adjudged to have made insufficient effort on the Harry Rogers-trained gelding, he was handed out a 12 day suspension beginning on July 3.
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