A proud Athenry man, Pat Fahy has sent out many winners in the jumping sphere from his Leighlinbridge, County Carlow yard since he took out his licence in 1991 with names like Nuaffe, Mariah Rollins, Dun Belle, Quadco, Publican, Washington Lad etc tripping off the tongue but the Ellen Lodge operator achieved a famous success at Leopardstown today on the level as Ballybacka Lady caused a shock by landing the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial.
Sent off the outsider of the ten strong field at 33/1, Fran Berry sent the daughter of Hurricane Run to the front at the quarter mile pole and she soon looked in control. From over a furlong out Ballybacka Lady kept on strongly to beat Sapphire Pendant by a length and three parts.
Fahy bought Ballybacka Lady for 18,000 Euros as a yearling at Goffs. He said: "That's my first stakes winner. We've been very lucky with her and we've just a few for the flat.
"She broke smart today which made all the difference. I was worried about her with the stalls after what happened her at Dundalk last time (dwelt when sixth there a month ago).
"She had decent form in the book and it is unbelievable to have a filly like that. She'll go for the Guineas at the Curragh now, Fran said she is well-entitled to take her chance."
Ladbrokes make her a 33/1 chance from 50s for the Curragh highlight in a couple of weeks time.
