Kylecrue strikes for second time in three days

Trainer John Ryan struck for the second time in three days with Kylecrue as the versatile eight-year-old made all to win the featured, €20,000 McGrath Limestone Works Ltd. Handicap Hurdle in Ballinrobe last night.

Successful in Tipperary on Sunday and carrying a mandatory 4lb. penalty, nullified by Ryan Treacy’s 5lb. claim, Kylecrue had to dig deep to keep Dalasiri at bay in the closing stages, but held on by a three-quarters of a length before surviving a Stewards Enquiry.

“He’s a fair horse, as tough as nails, and I really fancied him again,” said Ryan. “He’s a seasoned, hardened campaigner and I didn’t think a four-year-old (Unplaced favourite Mustadrik) would beat him.”