Coolfighter and David Splaine jump the last to win in good style© Photo Healy Racing
Coolfighter recorded his second win in the space of a few days when defying top-weight in fine style in the Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.
The Noel Dooly-trained gelding was awarded the race in the stewards’ room after going down by a short-head to Flaviana at Wexford on Wednesday but didn’t need any outside assistance on this occasion.
David Splaine had the eight-year-old gelding close to the pace throughout, and the 6/1 chance asserted before the last to score by a comfortable three lengths. Buonarotti Boy could find no extra after two out and had to settle for the runner-up spot, while Courageous Cry was the same distance back in third. Abbazagga completed the places another half-length away in fourth.
Dooly said, “He deserved to get the race at Wexford on Wednesday, and we decided to run here as we thought it was the last chance for a while to run him in a 0-102. It’s a big drop in grade from the other night.
“When he hits form he’s good, and he did the same on the flat a few years ago when he won four races close together.
“I did too much with him at home last year, and he was way too keen. We decided to go back to the old ways and do nothing at home only a hack canter and run him on the track. He could run at the Curragh next Friday in a 0-70.”
