Student passes Guinness test with flying colours
In winning he gave trainer Owen McKenna his second successive win in the event, Boherduff Light's win last year kick-starting a never to be forgotten ten months for the Tipperary handler.
There was some concern about how he would handle a wide draw, but they proved groundless as he swept to a four and a half length success in a personal best 28.24.
His win was in some part facilitated by Deejay Ninetysix on his right starting very slowly.
This gave the even money favourite all the room he needed and, having surged past the fast starting pair Blonde Thunder and Fat Budgie going past the winning line for the first time, he led into the bend and had opened by a commanding three length advantage early in the back straight.
Once they hit the front in finals McKenna trained dogs do not have a history of coming back to their rivals and so it proved again on Saturday with Student Pass in total control from halfway.
Blonde Thunder chased the winner from the second bend but simply had no answer.
Trumpers Jack moved into third between the opening two bends and ran on gamely to take third ahead of Lios An Eolais, who was slowly away and never threatened to get into the shake-up.
Track record holder Fat Budgie had every chance but, having been pushed wide at the opening bend, he faded from the third bend to finish fifth a place ahead of the very slow starting Deejay Ninetysix who was never a factor.
