Gary Carson
The Very Man lands Thurles treble for Harrington & Foley
The Very Man gave Shane Foley three winners on the day
© Photo Healy Racing
Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley notched a treble at Thurles this afternoon when The Very Man claimed the concluding maiden over two miles.
The 11/10 favourite had been placed twice on the level recently and opened his Flat account in good style in the two-miler.
He hit the front two furlongs from home and was well on top in the closing stages to post a three-and-a-quarter length victory. Ballydoyle colt Sundial stayed on for second.
The Very Man had won seven times under national hunt rules, as well as once in a point-to-point.
"He deserved that as he had been running well on the flat. He is a fantastic horse, runs over hurdles and on the flat and he'll win again on the flat,” said Harrington.
"I was in a panic about the November Handicap because he had to have three flat runs for it and if the entries aren't closed, could run in it. Otherwise I might even find a handicap for him in England.
"He is a bit slow out of stalls, that is the hard part as it is difficult to teach an eight year old to come out quicker!
"It is great for Dan and Linda Kiely (part owners with Rob Kearney) as he's the first horse we'd had for them."
She added:- "I've always loved it here and have been very lucky. Thurles isn't a HRI track and yet they do a great job, so they deserve great credit . The stable yard was spotless and they have done great work since the summer."
Harrington and Foley had also teamed up to take the opening two juvenile maidens on the card with Foniska and Village Voice
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)