Flooring Porter secured a commanding victory at Listowel

Dual Stayers' Hurdle champion Flooring Porter dominated his rivals to claim a commanding victory in the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel.

A winner at the Cheltenham Festival in both 2021 and 2022, Gavin Cromwell's star initially switched to fences last season but returned to hurdles, finishing second in his bid for a Stayers' Hurdle hat-trick at Prestbury Park in March.

The nine-year-old had a tough start upon his return from a break in a handicap chase at Killarney in July, but he bounced back to form in County Kerry with Keith Donoghue in the saddle.

Flooring Porter quickly took the lead, jumping fluently throughout, and had established a significant advantage over the chasing pack when his nearest rival, The Real Whacker, unseated jockey Sam Twiston-Davies down the back straight.

From that point, the outcome was never in doubt. Donoghue remained comfortably in front as they rounded the home turn. Although Horantzau D’Airy made a late charge, Flooring Porter crossed the finish line with four and a quarter lengths to spare as a 6-1 shot.

"What can I say? It’s brilliant," said Cromwell. "He went hard, and I was just praying for him over every fence on the last circuit. He kept his rhythm, and it was a fantastic performance."

When asked if he had any concerns about Flooring Porter slowing down in front, he replied, "No, that wasn’t a worry. I was just afraid he might miss a jump. He was in serious shape. Once he finds that rhythm, there’s no stopping him."

Donoghue added, "I was just a passenger; I couldn’t go any slower! You just try to meet the jumps as best you can."

Cromwell noted that this victory had been the plan since Cheltenham. "We can always return to hurdles, but I’m not sure where we go next. It’s a fantastic race to win, and we’ll enjoy this moment. He’s been a horse of a lifetime for me and the syndicate."