Cusack strikes again in Killarney opener

Just days after his breakthrough success at Limerick on Saturday, Conor Cusack struck again aboard Catena Zapata in the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa Optional Claiming Race.

Without a win in well over three years, the Henry de Bromhead-trained seven-year-old was expected to end his long barren streak this evening and was returned the 2/1 favourite in first time blinkers.

Despite a slow start, the Vadamos bay made ground on the inner down the back straight and was poised to challenge behind the leaders on the turn for home.

Edging to the front with over a furlong and a half to go, he readily increased his advantage when ridden and came home six-lengths to the good.

The second choice of punters at 7/2, Shoot To Kill filled the runner-up spot under Jack Kearney for Stephen Thorne, while Heliogabalus (17/2 from 16s early) was a nose away in third.

"He has missed the break on his last couple of runs so I was expecting it and the blinkers definitely helped today, as I was able to get him back up to the pack quickly enough," Cusack, who is 17 and from Waterford, explained.

"I walked the track before racing and it was only cut up around the bottom bend but on the straight it wasn't too bad.

"Hopefully things keep going and a massive thanks to Henry who has trusted me with two nice horses. I'm light enough so hope to stay at this (Flat) game - I'm not too fond of the table!"

The winner was later claimed by Ian Donoghue for E6,000, while James McAuley picked up the second for E9,000, with this one to be trained by Denis Hogan.