Flooring Porter, a celebrated dual-Stayers’ Hurdle champion, exhibited a commanding performance at Wednesday’s Guinness Kerry National at Listowel. The horse, under the capable direction of jockey Keith Donoghue, took an early lead and maintained it throughout this traditionally competitive €200,000 race. The six-year-old trained by Gavin Cromwell not only delivered a sizable front lead but also extended it impressively by the midpoint of the race. This result would have hardly been easy to forecast for the ‘National’ event at any point before the race’s conclusion.
Running three miles on rain-affected terrain didn’t hinder Flooring Porter, who powered to a victory of considerable authority, despite Horantzau D’airy narrowing the margin to under five lengths upon reaching the line. This victory is the latest in a string of notable achievements for the horse, who was purchased for under five thousand pounds by a devotedly supportive syndicate.
Known for his peculiarities, Flooring Porter stood undaunted in the winner’s enclosure, receiving well-earned appreciation from the public. The horse forms part of an astute plan created six months ago by Cromwell. The objective was to take advantage of the exceptional hurdler’s relatively low handicap rating over fences and to harness Flooring Porter’s discernable inclination to race in a left-handed direction
Cromwell’s JP McManus-owned stablemate, Perceval Legallois, was marginally more favoured in the betting odds at 11-2. But Legallois, like the majority of the group, was unable to match Flooring Porter’s pace and finished in sixth place. The English challenger, The Real Whacker, fell behind when Sam Twiston-Davies was unseated at the 10th, consequently paving the way for Flooring Porter.
This victory marks the first success over fences in Ireland for Flooring Porter and represents his ninth career triumph in total.
Cromwell expressed satisfaction following his maiden triumph in the renowned handicap, stating that Keith felt like a mere spectator, unable to slow the pace. Cromwell extolled the unstoppable rhythm that had put the horse in dire straits.
Flooring Porter, who bravely bagged second place in last March’s third Stayers’ crown attempt at Cheltenham, shoulder to shoulder with Tehaupoo, might be competing for several significant trophies across both hurdles and fences this winter.
Referring to the strategy since his Cheltenham exploit, Cromwell mentioned they could always revert to hurdles. However, he was uncertain about the next move. Winning this distinguished race has brought immense joy for both him and the syndicate, said Cromwell, lauding Flooring Porter as a lifetime achievement.
At an impressive odds of 28-1, Lucid Dreams, and another dark horse, Churchstonewarrior came in third and fourth respectively.
Zanahiyr, one of the five contenders from Gordon Elliot’s camp for the crucial race, ultimately secured the fifth spot following an initial stumble at the first fence and a setback at the fourth under Donagh Meyler. Meyler was a substitute for Jack Kennedy who was ruled out for the day due to a fall in the prior race.
Previously, Kennedy had attained victory in a beginner’s hurdle aboard Zanahiyr’s sibling, Zariygann. Another sibling, Zaynab, won the festival’s opening event on the first day. Unfortunately, Kennedy’s accident resulted in a missed opportunity for a win, as Shecouldbeanything from Elliot’s stables secured a novice chase impressively under Sam Ewing. This was Shecouldbeanything’s first fence victory.
Willie Mullins did not have any fortune in the main event but introduced an exhilarating new contestant from Germany, Sea Of Sands. The gelding, a 2021 flat race Group Three champion in Germany, made an unpredictable hurdling debut under Patrick Mullins. Patrick reported that the horse only had a good jump at the first hurdle and displayed keenness that is typical of flat horses. Mullins said they might consider training him further and may also consider him for a flat race before the end of the season.