Pacon, a Listed winner on the flat in Germany last year, found the Kerry air agreeable and won yesterday's featured Murphys Handicap Hurdle at Killarney. The 5 to 1 chance was winning his first race for trainer Sue Bramall after picking up seven races in his former flat career in Germany.
Pacon showed plenty of pace throughout and cruised up to Roses Niece early in the straight as if he was going to win readily. But Experimental loomed as a danger and only a quicker jump at the last settled it for Pacon.
"He's a very tricky horse to place as the races he won in Germany meant he couldn't run in maidens. There is a race for him at Galway though," said Bramall.
Pacon's rider Norman Williamson had earlier landed the novice chase on Coillte An Ceoil, who left Fernhillbogey and the disappointing favourite, Luna Fleur, a long way in his wake.
Williamson was denied a treble, however, when he had to settle for the runner-up position in the handicap chase behind the Paul Hourigan-ridden favourite Honey Trader.
Hourigan's father, Michael, who trained the winner, said: "I'm surprised Paul doesn't get more outside rides. Injuries haven't helped him, but he oozes talent and confidence. I imagine Honey Trader will run at Galway, but there's a race at Ballinrobe for her before that."
Willie Mullins, successful in the Ulster Harp Derby with General Cloney, was also on the mark here with Early Fin, on whom David Casey rode a rare flat winner. Early Fin made her effort on the outer and had two lengths in hand of the fast finishing Luminoso.
Co Meath amateur Diane Duffy (19), had her first success on the track with Aran Dawn, who held off Mordon Boy by a length and a half in the Ladies race. Duffy has also ridden four point to point winners.
Cork-born apprentice Wayne Lordan took the mile handicap on Sea Leopard and, as expected, Prince Valiant landed the odds in the 14 furlong conditions race, although he had to work to get the better of Passionate Pilgrim.
Mark Prescott has nine potential winners across four meeting today, including Girlie Set, who is soon to leave Prescott for a career over hurdles.
