John Kiely eyes third Galway Hurdle

Evergreen trainer John Kiely admitted to having his sights set on a third Galway Hurdle success after the remarkably consistent Ancient Sands took the featured Ladbrokes Ireland Handicap Hurdle on day one of the three-day May festival at Killarney.

First or second in seven of his previous eight races, he was sent off a 6-1 chance to land this near €30,000 winner’s prize under Brian Hayes.

He was settled a little better than midfield for much of the journey, but moved up stylishly on the turn for home.