John McConnell achieved a swift double at Kilbeggan this afternoon as Churchwarden showcased his tenacity to win the novice handicap hurdle.
Ben Harvey, aboard Churchwarden, tracked the front-runner Andyourbirdcansing in the two-mile-three contest. The 15/8 favourite took the lead after the second last, challenging Desert Cave and eventually pulling ahead in the final stretch.
Despite a strong finish from Andyourbirdcansing, who closed to within three-quarters of a length at the line, Churchwarden secured the victory.
Harvey commented: "I led on him last time here and he performed much better today. I was a bit surprised when he pricked his ears and backed off a bit before the last. It’s his first handicap, and he was up against more experienced horses, so that might explain it."