Arthurian Fame© Photo Healy Racing
There were joyous scenes before, during and after the running of the concluding Racing Next On April 29th Handicap at Naas today as the youngsters of the newly formed Blackrock Racing Syndicate enjoyed a slice of beginners' luck with the Joseph O'Brien trained winner Arthurian Fame
Ridden by jockey Donnacha O'Brien, who was completing a double on the day, Arthurian Fame was held up in mid-division for much of the race before being produced on the outer to lead with a furlong to race. The pair eventually went on to beat runner-up Ciao by two lengths.
Excited syndicate member Dylan O'Reilly had been interviewed on RacingTV prior to the race and admitted the group would “give it socks” regardless of the result and while every mention in-running of 'Arthurian Fame' was met with a loud cheer, the start of the race was equally celebrated by the group.
Passing the winning line, racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon gave the group a 'shout-out' exclaiming “the place has come alive” and afterwards winning trainer Joseph O'Brien was later lifted shoulder-high in the winners' enclosure by the former students of Blackrock College, each wearing blue and white scarves.
Later the Melbourne Cup winning trainer reported “I’m delighted for all the lads. It’s the first horse I’ve had for them and I think it’s the first horse they’ve had. Hopefully they will have plenty of fun with him.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
