Rockonliam gets the measure of Big DIspute

Henry de Bromhead's Rockonliam (3/1) shaded Big Dispute at the end of an extended 2m4f in the Kelly Bros Maiden Hurdle at Killarney.

Big Dispute was backed at big prices this morning and was boxing on off the front for Phillip Enright in the home straight, but the duo hadn't shaken off Rockonliam and Darragh O'Keeffe.

Rockonliam challenged and led narrowly over the last. Big Dispute wasn't done with on his inner, though, and rallied but Rockonliam was ridden to score by three-parts of a length to justify 3/1 favouritism from the 22/1 runner-up. There was a yawning gap of nine lengths back to third-placed Joli Travail (7/2).

O'Keeffe said: "He loved conditions and going left-handed suited him as well. He jumped really well bar the fourth-last and it was a good performance.

"He will get further and will jump a fence as well, as he is a fine, big, scopey lad."

On Rachael Blackmore, who announced her immediate retirement today, he added: "It is great to see Rachael go out on her own terms and what a career she has had. She has been unbelievable and I must say a big thanks to her, as since I started riding for Henry, she has been a massive influence the whole way through.

"When she was out injured (last winter), she helped me every day and you knew on every call that she wasn't in a rush to get you off the phone and gave you every detail. I wish her well in what she does next.

"What she has done for this game is phenomenal and (she) has won everything that has to be won."