Donal Murphy
Walsh completes 441/1 Killarney double
Le Legro and Maxine O'Sullivan prove too good for Military Road and Jane Mangan
© Photo Healy Racing
John Joe Walsh completed a 441/1 first and last race double at Killarney as his Le Legro took the bumper, the Killarney Racegoers(Ladies) INH Flat Race, under Maxine O'Sullivan.
The five-year-old son of Mountain High finished a tailed off last on his first start at Cork last December and he was sent off an unconsidered 33/1 shot today.
Settled towards rear he made progress into fifth entering the straight. He came with his challenge over a furlong out and hit the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by half a length. Military Road (7/1), who led from over two furlongs out, had to settle for second under Jane Mangan for Alan Fleming while Waterville Rock (11/4) was a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under Katie Walsh for James Nash.
Newcomer After Rain was sent off the well-backed 9/10 favourite (opened at 11/10 on-course) but he could only manage a disappointing fourth under Nina Carberry for Shay Barry.
John Joe Walsh said afterwards: "He ran at Mallow on soft ground but didn't go on it.
"Maxine gave him a great ride - she sat in, got him relaxed on the better ground and took her time. I imagine he might now be sold."
The winner is owned by John O'Leary.
STEWARDS REPORTS
Ms N. Carberry, rider of After Rain (FR), trained by J.R. Barry, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount ran too free early.
Miss M.M. McElligott, rider of Ourlittletreasure trained by Patrick Neville, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount gurgled in-running and burst a blood vessel.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes