Racing: Stable pet Kylkenny back with Morrison

Racing at Southwell yesterday brought a happy ending to the saga of old stager Kylkenny. After winning a claiming race at the all-weather track last month, the 11-year-old was claimed from his long-time trainer Hughie Morrison and joined Declan Carroll, at a cost of £14,000, to run in the colours of Diamond Racing.

Morrison admitted afterwards that he had been wrong in letting his stable favourite run in such a race, and offered the new connections profit, which was accepted.

Yesterday Kylkenny made a statement for the Carroll team by carrying top weight to victory in a handicap, his 21st career success, before leaving the racecourse bound for Morrison's East Ilsley yard. Last night he was back in his home of eight years.

However, unless the rules change or are waived, he will not be able to race from that base until June, six months from the date of the claim. "I'm just delighted he's coming back," said Morrison, "and in such good form."

Honour was satisfied all round. "We didn't know he was a pet," said Diamond Racing's Steve Goodwin. "But he shouldn't have run in a claimer in the first place and at the end of the day we've proved our point."

* Yesterday's card at Newcastle was abandoned.