Sean Curran

Iris De Balme picked the best possible moment to lose his maiden tag by giving Oxfordshire trainer Sean Curran his biggest victory in the inaugural Stop24 Kent National at Folkestone on Wednesday.

Curran, in his third year with a trainer's licence at Hatford, near Stanford-in-the-Vale, was thrilled to see the eight-year-old capture the £15,657 first prize.

Running for the 32nd time, Mattie Batchelor's mount - an 11-1 shot - made much of the running in the near four-mile epic to beat Topless by a length and a half.

"He was second here last year and he jumps so well for a little horse," said Curran.

"I've only had four or five winners over jumps and he's by far the best."

Iris De Balme is owned by Brize Norton-based Lee Power, the former Norwich City and Republic of Ireland footballer - and the win provided him with a lift.

"I resigned as chairman of Cambridge United a couple of weeks ago and this is a real tonic," he said.

Aston Rowant trainer Alan Hill was also among the winners at the Kent track with Mr Tee Pee in the maiden hunters' chase.

7:23pm Wednesday 27th February 2008

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