No Kerry joy in Cotswolds but Brouder brothers have third and fourth finish

WHILE there was no joy for Kerry jockeys at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, it was still an historic week for the Brouder brothers, Gavin and Kevin, from Listowel. Both jockeys were enjoying their first ride at the Festival and did remarkably well when getting into the frame, finishing third and fourth in the ultra competitive Coral Cup.

Fresh from his Leopardstown win in February, Kevin gave Thosedaysaregone for trainer Charles Byrnes a fantastic ride. Kevin was prominent throughout and had his mount in perfect position after the last, staying on to take third place. Back in fourth was Gavin Brouder on Cracking Smart for trainer Gordon Elliott in the Gigginstown colours.

Tralee jockey Philip Enright was also in action. In the Arkle Trophy Enright was aboard Whatsnottoknow for trainer Mouse Morris. Even though the horse was a 100/1 shot, Enright was prominent for the first circuit and was driven out to his right two fences from home, badly hampering his chances. He finished in eighth place. Enright was also in action in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle finishing ninth on the Mouse Morris trained Foxy Jack’s.

Bryan Cooper came closest to returning to the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure when finishing second in the Stayers’ Hurdle on Ronald Pump. 24 hours later Cooper was again involved in a close finish when aboard Latest Exhibition for trainer Paul Nolan in the Albert Bartlett. Cooper did everything right positioning himself along the inside rail where he rallied hard but finished second. An exciting career over fences is on the cards for Latest Exhibition.

Dingle jockey Paddy Kennedy took on the tricky obstacles in the Cross Country Chase. Riding the Jessie Harrington trained Neverushacon, Kennedy was in the first four or five for most of the race but testing ground eventually found the horse out when turning for home as Kennedy asked him to quicken. Neverushacon finished eighth.