Sheehy back at number 1 with Gunner

On outing number one for Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy, Gunner Mcgregor (12/1) took the concluding Friday June 10th BBQ At Clonmel INH Flat Race under Wexford rider Keith Cogley.

A first winner on the track for Cogley since 2008 (when he rode his initial victor), Gunner Mcgregor was also bringing Sheehy 'in from the cold' as this was bridging a gap going back to Dante Anna's success at Kilbeggan in May 2013.

Having begun for Lar Byrne at Thurles before Christmas, Gunner Mcgregor has since performed with credit at the Punchestown Festival for John Clifford.

Here the 12/1 chance came through from the back to lead in the final quarter mile, asserting from over a furlong out for a comfortable six length win over Callyerman

"We fancied him and he did a nice piece of work during the week and we thought he was plenty good enough to win," explained Sheehy.

"He jumps very, very well and if he doesn't go out on grass, he could go for a maiden hurdle.

"I've eight back in training at present but it has been unbelievably tough. Only for my two boys, Danny and Michael, I'd definitely have given up. Danny was Champion Pony Rider and will get his jockeys' licence in September and plans to go to Ballydoyle for the summer."

He added: "Unfortunately when the bubble (Celtic Tiger) burst, the people I had were caught in it big time. They were great friends/owners and things just went wrong for them. Now it's all about getting winners and trying to get my name out there again."

Gunner Mcgregor was also the first win in Ireland for stallion, Aristotle, who spent eleven years in Australia. He now stands at Meelin Stud in Bandon, County Cork.

(TW & EM)