Pat Fahy and son Conor discuss Celtic Abbey's win at Ballinrobe © Photo Healy Racing
After two runs where he was well backed but finished well down the field, Celtic Abbey got it right at Ballinrobe in the bumper and landed the money this time.
The money came for Pat Fahy’s charge at the track as he was supported from 4/1 to 9/4 while Pyrus Gold Wind drifted out to 13/8 from an opening show of 5/4.
The race suffered from five non-runners, including the early morning odds on favourite Wrong Way Corrigan who was due to represent Willie and Patrick Mullins and forecast second favourite Smiler who both didn't run due to the change in going.
That shouldn't detract from the winner though who was ridden clear from two furlongs out by Fahy's son Conor, and kept up the gallop to score by eight lengths from Cloch Anna (16/1). Barna Jewel was third, beaten another four and three parts of a length at 10/1.
Pyrus Gold Wind could find no extra in the final two furlongs and faded to finish sixth.
Pat Fahy said: “It’s a pity he didn’t win the first day [seventh at Tipperary on 19 April]. He’s a good horse. I’ve always thought that.
“It’s great to see him getting the win. He won it like a decent horse though it probably wasn’t a great race.
“I’ll talk to the owner, but he’ll probably go for the winners bumper at Galway. He has always shown plenty at home.”
Owner Allan Stennett enjoyed success at the Cheltenham Festival this year with Salut Flo in the Grade 3 Byrne Group Plate chase.
Michael Graham (on course reporting by Eamonn Murphy)
