The lightly raced sprinter, racing in the colours of Wathnan Racing for the first time, travelled strongly towards the middle of the course and found plenty for pressure at the death, eventually holding off Swingalong (17/2) by a head, with Flora Of Bermuda (25/1) a further neck back.

Kind Of Blue, a recent purchase for Wathnan Racing, when narrowly beaten in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup, follows in the hoofprints of his relations The Tin Man and Deacon Blues in claiming the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint at Ascot.

The delighted winning trainer James Fanshawe commented:

“Kind Of Blue is the third close relation that has won this race, all from the same family and all bred by the Hoppers, the Grundys and the Morrises. All trainers get attached to families that do them well and this is a family that has done us tremendously well.

“Wathnan Racing bought him three weeks ago and he’s a really exciting horse for them going forwards. He’s got the Group One under his belt now. It’s been a big team effort to get him here. Dan Muscutt has ridden him in all his races and done all the homework on him; obviously to all the team back home, I’m really grateful.

James Doyle reflected on King Of Blue’s lack of experience in claiming the Group 1 contest, stating:

“To think Kind Of Blue was unraced before the start of this season, he has made giant strides and run some cracking races in defeat. He ran well here back in June in the Commonwealth and ran great in the Haydock Sprint, when he was just touched off.

“It was a long last 10 strides! He was very brave. For a very inexperienced horse to lead a furlong and a half out and still knuckle down when he felt the second horse come to me is a true testament to not only his ability but the heart that he has.”

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Live scores on Carlow v Kilkenny 

Saturday, May 11th sets the stage for a compelling showdown as Carlow welcomes Kilkenny to Netwatch Cullen Park at 4.30pm, live on GAAGO. Despite missing key players, Kilkenny has already notched up three points from their initial two fixtures, showcasing their resilience under Derek Lyng’s leadership.

In their encounter at Pearse Stadium against Galway, Kilkenny exhibited commendable composure, with Martin Keoghan leading the charge while Cian Kenny continues to impress. Carlow, though enduring losses to Galway and Dublin, has displayed tenacity on the field, led by standout performer Marty Kavanagh.

The history between these two teams adds further intrigue, with Kilkenny having emerged victorious in their previous championship encounters in 2019 and 1993. However, Carlow remains undeterred, aiming to capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the match.

Carlow fields a determined lineup featuring Brian Tracey in goal and an array of talents such as Martin Kavanagh and Conor Kehoe. Meanwhile, Kilkenny, with Eoin Murphy guarding the net, bolster their squad with the likes of TJ Reid and Billy Ryan poised to make an impact.

Expect a fiercely contested battle marked by passion and skill as both teams vie for dominance on the hurling field. With substitutes ready to make their mark and leaders guiding their respective sides, this clash promises to be a riveting spectacle for hurling enthusiasts. Don’t miss the action as Carlow and Kilkenny go head-to-head in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter at Netwatch Cullen Park.

Carlow: Brian Tracey; Paul Doyle, Dion Wall, Niall Bolger; Tony Lawlor, Kevin McDonald, Fiachra Fitzpatrick; Ciarán Whelan, Richard Coady; Jon Nolan, Chris Nolan, Martin Kavanagh; Conor Kehoe, John Michael Nolan, Paddy Boland.

Subs: Ciarán Abbey, Conor Lawlor, Jack McCullagh, Seán Joyce, Scott Treacy, James Doyle, Lorcan Doyle, Evan Kealy, Donagh Murphy, Paidí O’Shea, Ciarán Kavanagh.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; David Blanchfield, Paddy Deegan, Shane Murphy; Cian Kenny, Richie Reid; Martin Keoghan, John Donnelly, Tom Phelan; Billy Ryan, TJ Reid, Owen Wall.

Subs: Aidan Tallis, Conor Delaney, Jordan Molloy, Darragh Corcoran, Killian Doyle, Conor Fogarty, Gearóid Dunne, Billy Drennan, Luke Hogan, Harry Shine, Liam Blanchfield.

The post Leinster Hurling – Carlow v Kilkenny – Preview, Starting Teams and Live score updates appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.