Plan comes together perfectly for 84-year-old John Kiely in Irish Cesarewitch

You just can't beat experience. The joint-oldest horse in the race, handled by the oldest trainer represented in the race, won the Paddy Power Irish Cesarewitch, but all that is very misleading as John Kiely doesn't look his age and Line Out doesn't act his.

Kiely is 84 but would pass for 64. Line Out is nine but doesn't have too many miles on the clock, not on the Flat anyway as this was only his fourth run and his second in a handicap.

This was a plan hatched by Kiely well over a year ago and when the wily master of Dungarvan shoots from that far out he rarely misses.

Kiely, who would still be riding out at home but for breaking a leg in March 2020, said: "I've had this race in mind for him since last year. When you've been thinking about a race for a while, it's always great when it comes together.

Line Out (pink) fends off Turnpike Trip and Maze Runner to land the Irish CesarewitchCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'd rather be riding him at home, but I don't ride any more. I did break this fella in though."

The Irish Cesarewitch has been kind to the Kiely family over the years as the winning trainer elaborated on, saying: "That's our third time winning the race. I won it in 1969 under my father's name and we won it with Clara Allen in 2005. We had our first runner in it in 1953, which finished fifth. The race has been very good to me."

Shane Foley was on board for his latest success. He produced the 18-1 shot with his challenge over two furlongs out and stayed on strongly to beat Turnpike Trip by a length and a half. The 13-2 favourite National Ballet could finish only 11th.

Guineas on Greccio's agenda

Paddy Twomey thinks he has a 1,000 Guineas filly on his hands and it is hard to argue with him after Limiti Di Greccio somehow sneaked out of jail to land the Listed Staffordstown Stud Stakes.

Billy Lee got stuck at every red light up the home straight but Limiti Di Greccio was so superior to her rivals that it didn't stop her storming home for a one and a quarter length win over Tranquil Lady.

Twomey said: "I was concerned when they turned in and she seemed to meet every bit of trouble she could. I was confident if she could get any bit of light we'd run well anyway, and she exceeded my expectations.

Limiti Di Greccio (no.4): will be aimed at the 1,000 Guineas next yearCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"Her owner wanted to go to France for the Group 1 last weekend and the Breeders' Cup, but I managed to talk him out of it. We won this last year and I wanted to come here. I think it's a perfect stepping stone for the Guineas. The plan would be to go for the Guineas."

Tartan looks stylish

Fresh from sending over Twilight Jet to land the Cornwallis at Newmarket on Friday, Michael O'Callaghan looks to have another speedy juvenile to look forward to as a three-year-old next season after Tartan Skirt won the opening maiden in impressive style.

O'Callaghan said: "She's a lovely filly and ran a lovely race first time out at Punchestown. She has plenty of pace but I can see her maybe getting seven furlongs for a Guineas trial next spring."

Results, replays and analysis

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