Canary flies in Killarney

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Canary Row, the elder statesman in the field, toughed it out to land the listed Vincent O’brien Ruby Stakes on opening day of Killarney’s August Festival.

Patrick Prendergast’s charge, beaten in a Curragh handicap at the weekend, battled tenaciously for Ronan Whelan to beat fillies Bumbasina and Duchess Of France with favourite Psychedelic Funk a close fourth.

A consistent performer in recent seasons for Prendergast and ownerbreeder Rick Barnes of Grangecon Stud, Canary Row carried an official rating of 90 into yesterday’s event.

His trainer admitted: “I was frustrated on Saturday – he ran well over seven but the rain, which he needed, didn’t arrive until Sunday. He finds seven a bit sharp, unless the ground is heavy. Ronan gave him a cracking ride.”

There were also first day doubles for Pat Smullen and Donnacha O’brien.

Smullen moved to within six of Colin Keane in the title race thanks to the victories of Aljunood in the mile maiden and Dalton Highway in the Easy Clean Limited Handicap.

O’brien completed a first and last race double for his father Aidan on odds-on favourites Kew Gardens and Abyssinian.

The Michael Halford-trained Andesh, beaten a length by Mendelsshon on debut at the Curragh, is the nap selection on today’s Killarney card.