No fairytale for John Ryan as Fairyhill Run misses out in Kerry National

John Ryan's worst fears came to pass today as his leading Guinness Kerry National chance, Fairyhill Run, failed to make the final field.

The Templemore trainer spoke to the Racing Post on Monday about his frustrations that Fairyhill Run, who would have been seeking a four-timer, was only first reserve in the €150,000 race and none of the 18 runners has since been scratched from the contest.

The cut-off time for any defections was 11am and all three reserves, including Ryan's other runner Waitnsee, are now non-runners.

4.25 Wednesday: Kerry National racecard

Ryan said on Monday: "I'm absolutely sick. I couldn't be more disgusted. We have three busloads of people set to go from Templemore to Listowel for the day and it looks like that won't happen now. It's a disaster.

"For the last two years horses who were rated 131 got into the race. My mare is rated 137 and she can't get in. It's a joke. Being the sportsman that JP McManus is, I hope he might be able to call upon his charitable side and take one of his seven out."

The trainer added: "Fairyhill Run is absolutely flying. She could not be in any better form and I couldn't wait for the race. I'm sick for everyone."

Gordon Elliott now dominates the top of the market. Farclas, ridden by 5lb claimer Jordan Gainford, is 9-2 favourite with Ladbrokes ahead of stablemate Conflated at 5-1. Aramax is next on their list at 9-1.

Elliott won the Kerry National in 2016 with Wrath Of Titans and again in 2017 with Potters Point, both ridden to victory by Lisa O'Neill.

Favourites have a terrible recent record in the race. Since the turn of the century, there has been just one winning favourite in 21 years. Northern Alliance, sent off the 4-1 market leader in 2009, is the only jolly to have obliged. The last three favourites were Doctor Duffy (third), Movewiththetimes (ninth) and Rogue Angel (third).

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