Coakley back in the winners' enclosure Killarney-based trainer Charles Coakley had a welcome winner at Cork as Alpha And Omega routed the opposition in the two mile handicap hurdle. The five-year-old was stepping up markedly on his six previous efforts which had yielded a best finish of fourth. Between the second last and final flight the 14/1 shot powered away with Brian Hayes doing the steering and the pair quickly ended the contest. After popping the last they hit the line seven lengths to the good over 7/4 favourite Top Spin. Charles Coakley said: “The family is over and that’s my first winner since Champion Gold in 2005 [Thurles, November 10, 2005]. “Gerry and Brendan Reilly are from Milltown, Co Kerry and are part of the winning syndicate. “Alpha And Omega shows great ability, but he’s very hard on himself. He’ll go for something quickly while the ground is in his favour.” The winner was nibbled at 16s in the betting ring. Brian Hayes was 1lb overweight on him. Andalucia Lady took third at 9/1. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
