Rhode-based Rango gives Harney a first winner

John Harney registered a first winner with just his second runner today as the Rhode, Co Offaly-based trainer sent out Mr Rango (100/30) to land the Shein Cup Handicap at Leopardstown.

Ridden by Shane Foley, the six-year-old quickened clear of his 12 rivals inside the final furlong to eventually beat runner-up Global Energy easily by 3.5 lengths.

Delighted Harney reported “that's unbelievable and Shane actually rode my brother Patrick's (former trainer) first winner. I'm just delighted to get it out of the way and hopefully it's onwards and upwards now.

“I'm based in Rhode in Co. Offaly, not too far from Pat Smullen. We've a farm there and we put in a wood chip gallop that looks to be going well for us.

“We had Mr Rango ready to run last Saturday and we were disappointed the meeting got cancelled. We weren't sure today whether he was spot on for 1m2f but Shane (Foley) gave him a lovely ride and he stuck at it well.

“Shane said he'll stay 1m4f and we'll see how it goes ground-wise - if it gets a bit quick in the middle of the year we might give him a bit of a break. We might go hurdling with during the winter.”

He added “I spent a few years over in England, I was assistant trainer to Declan Carroll. I was four years in Tally Ho and learned a lot there, I learned how to work!

“I was with Jim McCartan where I did breeze-ups and my partner Phidelma O'Neill convinced me to get out a license. She had the confidence in me and said I could do it and thankfully I showed her that we can train a winner.

“We've ten at the moment, five two-year-olds, and they are mostly homebreds. We have a few nice pedigrees there and we're hoping to have a good season."

Quotes from Gary Carson