Kickham back on track after hard earned victory

KICKHAM, owned by J.P. McManus , seventh in the Galway Guinness Hurdle, got back to winning form at Tipperary yesterday with a hard earned win in the Frank Hogan Limerick Mercedes Benz Novice Hurdle.

Given an excellent ride by Norman Williamson, who played a waiting game, the seven year-old was in a handy position on the opening circuit as Abbeyfeale Con cut out the running. Manjoe took over in front after jumping the fourth last and pulled out a good four length advantage before turning for home. But the five year old, seeking his third success in a row, began to fade coming to the last. Kickham jumped the flight marginally in front and then held on gamely to win by a length with Rapide Plaisir a head further back in third place.

“He’s in Listowel next week but I will have to talk to connections about him. I would prefer to run him in the two mile hurdle here next month. He is quite a tough character” said Eddie O’Grady.