West Away’s first race comes up with a triumph

Dylan Kidd secured his first win over jumps with West Away in the Midsummer's Day With The Stars On Sunday 23rd June Handicap Hurdle. 

The six-year-old, trained by John McConnell, had been a runner-up in his last two races at Tramore and Punchestown.

Starting at odds of 9/2, the 116-rated West Away, ridden by Kidd, made a steady advance from the rear after the fourth hurdle. He made his move between horses before the penultimate obstacle, taking the lead and pulling away on the run-in to win by four-and-a-quarter lengths for the Rockview Racing Syndicate.

Champella, who was initially priced at 14/1 but went off at 11/2, finished second under Tom Harney for Ross O'Sullivan. Ring O Roses, at 7/1, came in third, four lengths behind the winner.

The favourite, I Love My Baie, started at 10/3 (from 7/1) but could only manage fourth place.