Kempes scores for Kernan as McCullagh lands double

KEMPES, owned by a northern syndicate which includes Armagh football manager Joe Kernan, landed the 50,000 Premier Nursery at Gowran Park yesterday, providing the first leg of a double for jockey Niall McCullagh.

It is a rare occurrence when McCullagh rides at 8-0 but he seized his opportunity, producing Kempes with a well-timed challenge to beat gallant top weight Rhythm’N Roots, from which he was receiving 21lb.

Winning trainer Frances Crowley explained “He was the last yearling that we couldn’t sell and the lads only bought him in May. He has now won twice and finished second twice and should make an even better 3-year-old next season.”