Galant Ferns & Bryan Cooper ease on past Kilflora (inside) & The Book Thief© Photo Healy Racing
She may have been the only mare in the line-up and had eleven stone twelve to shoulder (joint top-weight) but Galant Ferns is a pretty classy sort as she showed when landing the Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan under Bryan Cooper. The Book Thief and Spot The Boss dominated for much of this three mile one furlong event but Kilflora cruised up to them looking good two out. However he never tends to find that much for pressure and Galant Ferns was the one that produced most when the need was greatest to win by two lengths.
Liam Kenny owns and trains the successful Bob Back eight-year-old and he said: "I didn't think she'd win with a circuit to go but she stays and stays – she keeps galloping.
"She'd prefer softer ground and she might have a break now.
"We'd like to get some black-type for her and she might go back hurdling. Long distances and soft ground is really what she wants." Tico was struck into and lost his action and he was found to have an over-reach injury post race. (TW & EM)
