Fran Berry© Photo Healy Racing
Fran Berry rode his 1,000 winner in Ireland, which includes 39 over jumps, when bringing Anthony McCann's Shabra Emperor through from what looked a pretty hopeless position to land the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap at Fairyhouse.
Despite this being a handicap, many had it down to concern just two of the twelve runners, and it worked out something like that out on the track over the seven furlong trip.
Favourite Ducky Mallon looked sure to score, but he was mown down close home by Shabra Emperor (well-treated on the turf relative to his all-weather mark), who'd sat in from his stall one draw, and had delivered his run from the rear.
"I was made aware over the winter that I was getting close to riding 1,000 winners in Ireland, and the last ten days I knew I had just one to go. It's a nice milestone to get to," reflected Berry. He got off the mark on his father Frank's Loughmogue in the Dunsany Extended Handicap on May 6th 1996 at Navan.
It was hardly surprising to hear McCann enthuse: "That was a superb ride by Fran. I never thought he was getting there but he knew what he had underneath him.
"He's entered at Cork on Sunday so we'll see how he comes out of this and have a chat with Rita Shah (owner).
"It's great to get a win with him on the turf after so long, although he's always run well here."
The Stewards received a request from Sabrina J. Harty, trainer of Empress Toorah to substitute the nominated rider D.M. Simmonson, with Donnacha O'Brien, due to the nominated rider not showing up to fulfill his riding obligations. The Stewards allowed the request but fined D.M.Simmonson €200, in accordance with Rule 196(v).
F.M. Berry, rider of Shabra Emperor, trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung right in the straight.
D.P. McDonogh, rider of Tom Dooley trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran out of racing room in the closing stages.
C.P. Hoban, rider of Smart Alec trained by J.Larkin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not act on the good to firm ground.
(AM & EM)
