Gavin Cromwell’s star delivers front-running masterclass over fences.
Flooring Porter, the two-time Stayers' Hurdle champion, delivered a scintillating front-running display to claim the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel. Under the guidance of jockey Keith Donoghue, Gavin Cromwell's nine-year-old galloped his rivals into submission, crossing the line four and a quarter lengths clear of the field.
Dominant display! ⚫️⚪️👏
Flooring Porter comfortably wins the Grade 3 Guinness Kerry National under a front-running ride by @donoghue_keith for @gavincromwell1 🏆@ListowelRaces pic.twitter.com/Vlym6Ts5fe
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 25, 2024
After a mixed campaign last season, including a runner-up finish in his bid for a Stayers' Hurdle hat-trick at Cheltenham, Flooring Porter returned to fences but struggled in his seasonal reappearance at Killarney in July. However, in County Kerry, the gelding returned to his best, effortlessly building a commanding lead from the start.
Flooring Porter’s nearest challenger, The Real Whacker, unseated his rider Sam Twiston-Davies mid-race, leaving the Cromwell-trained star in an uncontested lead. Despite a late surge from Horantzau D'airy, the 6-1 shot Flooring Porter never looked threatened, completing a stunning victory.
Reflecting on the win, Cromwell said: "What do you say, it's brilliant. He went hard, and I was praying for him across every fence on the last circuit. When he gets into that rhythm, there's no stopping him."
With his options open for future races, Cromwell hinted at a possible return to hurdles but emphasized that today’s triumph was a plan set in motion since Cheltenham.
Cromwell concluded: "He's been a horse of a lifetime, for me and for the syndicate."
