Kilmeaden
Kilmeaden finished off his race well to take third place behind the well-backed Westminster moon in the one-mile-six-furlong handicap that brought the curtain down on the Irish Guineas meeting at The Curragh on Sunday. Well back in the field early on and no better than 13th passing the two-furlong marker – when the other four horses who, with him, filled the first five places were placed, respectively third, first, seventh and fourth - he stayed on really well on the far side for Paddy Harnett to take third place, over two lengths in front of Delta in fourth. He was fastest of all through the final furlong, almost two lengths faster than the next fastest.
Winner of his maiden hurdle at Punchestown in January, this was Kilmeaden's second run back on the flat since he finished second behind subsequent Grade 1 hurdle winner Saratoga in another one-mile-six-furlong handicap at the Listowel Festival in September. He obviously stays this trip well, and he could be even better over two miles or on easier ground. He won a three-year-olds' handicap over an extended 12 furlongs at the Galway Festival last July, staying on well to beat subsequent Alleged Stakes winner Starford by a neck, and it won't be surprising if trainer Donnacha O'Brien has a target at Galway in mind for him again this year. He will be of interest if he does go to Galway, but he will be of interest wherever he goes.
The Curragh, 24th May 2026
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