Kempes strikes to foil gamble

RUBY Walsh produced Kempes with a perfectly-timed challenge to foil gambled-on favourite Jagoes Mills in the Grade 2 Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase (re-scheduled from Naas last Sunday) on an all-chase card at Thurles yesterday.

Running for the fourth time over fences and tackling two and a half miles for the second time, Kempes came from off the pace to track the Davy Russell-ridden Jagoes Mills turning for home as An Cathaoir Mor began to struggle before being eventually pulled up.

Produced to challenge between the last two fences, Kempes soon asserted and kept going to triumph by four lengths, completing a double for absent trainer Willie Mullins and champion-jockey Walsh, successful in the opener with Cru.