One for the locals at Kilbeggan as Killian's Garden gets it done

Irishracing.com

Owner/breeder Liam Gavin had a success to remember as his Killian's Garden upstaged Willie Mullins' odds-on favourite Eclipse Chaser in the Bernard Kenny Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Keeping up the excellent recent momentum of local handler Ciaran Murphy, Killian's Garden (7/2) tackled the front-running Eclipse Chaser (4/6 into 1/2) from before the straight.

The successful grey got the upper hand in the closing stages under Eoin Walsh, to score by a length and three parts, with third home Jetovango all of twenty seven lengths back.

“He was very game, he had to dig deep there. It’s probably as quick as he wants it but with the level of race and it being our local track, local owner, it was important that we came here,” said Murphy.

“He’ll want a trip in time but it’s lovely to go and win a maiden hurdle here.

“What a ride by Eoin Walsh, he was excellent. He showed loads of confidence and I was very impressed with him.

“He’ll probably take a little bit of time after that run as he had to dig deep there, he won’t be rushed out.

“He’s probably a horse for next year really. He’s still immature and he’s learning his job so we won’t rush him. He’s done that now so we’ll regroup now.

“For us to have a local winner here is like having five or six winners. It’s lovely for our yard.”