Races
SAMCRO: Two-time Cheltenham successor back with a bang at Killarney
Samcro bounced back to form when winning at Killarney on Monday
Dual Cheltenham Festival hero Samcro took the Grade 3 An Riocht Chase at Killarney on Monday evening and record his first win since his appearance at Prestbury Park in 2020.
Denise Foster’s charge saw off Melon and Faugheen in a titanic renewal of the Marsh Novices’ Chase fourteen months ago.
That was his second Gloucestershire victory having landed the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle two years before.
The son of Germany began his career in sparkling fashion, winning between the flags at Monksgrange and then subsequently purchased by Gigginstown House Stud.
Making the switch to Cullentra and Gordon Elliot, he was unbeaten in his first seven starts under rules before falling in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle when still a novice.
Tasked with Champion Hurdle aspirations, he endured a torrid campaign thereafter when suffering three defeats in a row but made amends on his first start over fences at Down Royal in November 2019.
He proved a frustrating sort once again when falling in the Drinmore when travelling sweetly before being thumped by Faugheen at Limerick, but reversed that form at Cheltenham on his next start under Davy Russell.
Kennedy, who rode Samcro to the victory for the first time in over three years, told Racing TV: “He battled very well, was very tough – and we haven’t seen that since he won the Marsh Chase in Cheltenham.
“It is great to see it.
“He came off the bridle early in the straight but he stuck at it very well.
“The ground is nearly yielding on the chase course, and I think better ground could suit him better again.”
