Jabbar (left) © Photo Healy Racing
Ger O'Leary sent out his fourth winner of the season when Jabbar (6/1) struck under Amy Jo Hayes in the Bellewstown Racecourse Apprentice Handicap.
A dual winner last term but reappearing after a 220-day absence, the Galileo Gold gelding was ridden in mid-division on the outer early in the straight but picked up well to lead heading into the final quarter-mile.
He was probably in front plenty soon but managed to hold on for a half-length victory over Sixpack
“That was a superb ride. Dean Curran is with me now, he won on Jabbar here last year and came from the next parish. I let Dean instruct Amy how to ride the horse and she did exactly what he said,” said O'Leary.
“She was very polished. She restrained him early, as he was a bit free, and got cover. It was a beautiful ride and I'm delighted for her.
“I'm delighted for the lads in the yard as well, we have a fantastic team.
“We have the schooling over hurdles done with him and he'll go for a summer maiden hurdle.
“We'll see what the handicapper does with him here, he can't do a whole lot I suppose, and there might be another one of these if the ground is easy.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
