Templemore Trainer, John Ryan bounced out Kilcarry Bridge fresh and well from a Sligo victory last week to make all in the McHale Coranna Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe under Ryan Treacy.
Enjoying the biggest success of his career, Treacy needs three more winners to see his claim reduced down to five pounds and Ruaidhri Tierney books rides on his behalf.
From the day Kilcarry Bridge – from the immediate family of Irish Grand National winner, Hear The Echo – made a winning debut in a Bennettsbridge point-to-point, Ryan has expressed optimism for his future.
A career high was achieved for the seven-year-old here, who had his jumping issues over fences in the past, and he galloped on in the closing stages to see offMrs Mac Veale by four lengths.
Ryan has care of Kilcarry Bridge for the Darraugh’s Choice Syndicate and the Tipperary handler revealed: “We really fancied him tonight. He was in tip top form. He needed the run in Sligo and I knew he’d improve from that.
“I didn’t think he’d improve as much – he’s a smasher. If he wins another one who knows where we’ll go with him. He’s a lovely horse.
“The Galway Hurdle could be the race for him if he wins another one.”