Jockeys blamed for ‘truly embarrassing spectacle’ as Flooring Porter demolishes rivals in Kerry National

2 months ago 25

CHELTENHAM legend Flooring Porter totally demolished his rivals with this jaw-dropping all-the-way Kerry National win.

But the sorry jockeys in behind were blamed for a ‘truly embarrassing spectacle’ after letting the known front-runner hare off in front completely unchallenged.

a group of horses are racing on a race track

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

The dual Stayers’ Hurdle king was absolutely miles in front for virtually all the Grade 3 race.

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Going 15, 20, 25… even 30 lengths clear at times in the 3m contest on rain-sodden ground, jockey Keith Donoghue was able to fill up his tank at times.

And although he clattered into a couple of fences, there was never anything coming from behind to challenge him.

The official margin of victory was just over four lengths, with Willie Mullins’ Horantzou d’Airy, ridden by Paul Townend, in second.

But Gavin Cromwell’s dominant 6-1 winner finished eased down, mocking those in behind.

It begged the question just what the other jockeys were thinking allowing Flooring Porter to totally dictate the pace of the race.

One punter wrote online: “What a truly embarrassing spectacle that was. Not like flooring Porter has ever made all in a big race before is it? That was over after three fences.”

Another said: “Keith Donoghue has taken the out and out p**s there.”

While a third posted: “You could see a circuit to go Flooring Porter would win. Inept riding from rest of the jockeys.”

Although most who watched the race were simply full of praise for Flooring Porter’s heroics.

Donoghue admitted he just let the horse get on with it in his winning interview.

He said: “That was brilliant – I was just a passenger!

“I didn’t think I was going that hard but I heard the commentator say I was ten lengths clear so I kept going.

“I gave the third last a good thump but his class told.

“The way he won he was probably a handicap blot today, he’s an unbelievable horse. I was delighted to get a big one on him.

“The handicapper will have a say after this but there are plenty of long distance hurdles, there’s one at Cheltenham in December that could be the plan.”