Comer in clover at Leopardstown again with He Knows No Fear

Luke Comer recently concluded a wide ranging interview with the line, “if you’re heading in the right direction, it’s only a question of time until you make your money: time and patience and, of course, the ability to hold on.” The Galway native trained his first winner since August when He Knows No Fear (11/1) took the Monkstown Handicap at Leopardstown.

Comer of course also presides over a vast property and business empire, and ably assisted by Jim Gorman and the team the Brookville House handler sent out 121 runners on the Flat in Ireland in 2020.

Two wins were accrued. Given He Knows No Fear’s 300/1 win at this venue last summer, a profit of 203 Euros to a Euro level stake on all the yard’s runners was accomplished.

Also bred and owned by Comer, He Knows No Fear goes well for Chris Hayes.

The Limerick native gave the Mourayan gelding a very well judged patient steer, delivering him in a congested space late to beat Theophile and Tauran Shaman by a neck and the same.

“He likes it around here. He ran well here the last day but things didn't go his way,” said Gorman.

“He likes Leopardstown and maybe it's the short trip here.

“I'm delighted for the boss and any ones that he breeds himself mean more to him.

“We could look at the premier handicap at the Curragh on Derby weekend or the premier handicap back here next month.”

S. Foley, rider of Tauran Shaman trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was denied a clear run early in the straight.

K.J. Manning, rider of Tejano trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was checked inside the final furlong.

The Stewards enquired into two incidents in the home straight involving Bucky Larson ridden by C.T. Keane, placed fourth, Freescape (GB), ridden by D.W. O'Connor, unplaced, Tejano, ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced, He Knows No Fear, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed first, Luke Short (GB), ridden by D. McMonagle, placed sixth and Theophile, ridden by W.T. Byrne, placed second, where it appeared interference occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Regarding the first incident D.W. O'Connor stated that he was back peddling when his ground was taken by a horse on his outside. K.J. Manning accepted that he had drifted to the left after he came under pressure. D. McMonagle stated that he went for a gap but it closed in front of him causing him to check. Regarding the second incident K.J. Manning stated that his run had finished when he received very minimal interference. C.T. Keane stated that he wasn't aware K.J. Manning was still there. C.D. Hayes stated that he felt pressure from his outside but he tried to keep a straight line. W.T. Byrne stated that he changed his whip into his left hand when he felt his mount starting to roll and did his best to keep straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that in relation to the first incident K.J. Manning was in breach of careless riding and considering his record in this regard, cautioned him on this occasion. Regarding the second incident the Stewards were satisfied the interference was accidental and took no further action. Mr. J.M. McGrath absented himself from this enquiry.

S.M. Crosse, rider of Juyush (GB) trained by Sarah Lynam, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right off the final bend.

C.D. Hayes, rider of He Knows No Fear trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was hampered in the first furlong and clipped a heel.

(GC & EM)