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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Last to first as Jabbar makes it two from two at Killarney

Fri 23rd Aug 2024, 20:20

Jabbar and Keithen Kennedy Jabbar and Keithen Kennedy
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer Ger O'Leary made it 12 winners for the season when Jabbar came from last to first to land the Brehon Hotel And Spa Apprentice Handicap at Killarney.

A winner four times previously, including on his only other visit to this track last July, the 2/1f had shaped as though requiring this extended trip when staying on late to finish fourth at Down Royal last month.

Stepping up to this distance for the first time, the five-year-old was dropped in towards rear of the sextet by Keithen Kennedy before being produced down the outside early in the straight.

Heading Say It So over a furlong out, the Galileo Gold gelding kept on well to win by two-and-a-half-lengths.

Ger O'Leary said: "The horses are in form, we brought down three today, were expecting a winner and this was the lad I was expecting to win. The lads from the syndicate came down with me and backed him so I'm delighted. It's great that they are all here.

"I don't think he was fully tuned up as he is having a proper blow so there might be another day in him hopefully.

"Dean Curran, who is my head lad now and is doing a fabulous job, rode him to win here last year when they got up on the line to win. He has an engine, stays and Keithen is a right kid."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.