Lyreen gives Kennedy another reason to cheer Lucky Lyreen edged another cracking finish at Down Royal this afternoon when taking the concluding William Hill Challenge Series Handicap Chase. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding, in first time cheekpieces, came to dispute with Born Braver going to the second-last in the three-miler. He gained a narrow advantage on the run-in, for Jack Kennedy, and the 4/1 shot was all out at the line to secure a neck victory. Handicap debut success for Lucky Lyreen The winner was making his first start in handicap company over fences having been well held in three beginners' contests. Kennedy was at school with a lot of the players that were on Dingle’s All-Ireland winning team on Sunday and he said of his home-town celebrations:- "I'm sure they are having good craic down there! Great to be here and great to get a winner. "Great attitude" — Kennedy impressed by gutsy display "He was tough, jumped great, so nice for him to get that. "This sort of track and that ground, he loves that ground. "Great attitude. Hopefully there will be a few more days with him." (Quotes by Michael Graham)
