Ministerforsport and Pat Collins© Photo Healy Racing
He may be a 7Ib claimer but Pat Collins has a lot of experience under his belt. He'll justifiably be proud of the ride he gave Ministerforsport (7/2 into 2/1) to land the Raceday Packages At Gowranpark.ie Point-To-Point INH Flat Race.
Collins controlled things from the front on the three time point-to-point scorer from the six furlong pole.
He knew exactly what he had underneath as he quickened the tempo on Terence O'Brien's charge two furlongs out.
Favourite Castlebrook couldn't match that turn of pace, and try as he might the jolly couldn't reel Ministerforsport back. There was a length and a half between them at the finish as the principals pulled nine lengths clear of third home Eviscerating
Terence O'Brien said: "All the credit should go to Noel O'Neill. Noel is a farrier and always keeps a few horses for point-to-points. He has done all the work and used my gallops but he's only arrived in my yard about a week ago.
"The syndicate (featured on page A15 of today's Irish Field) are mostly from Carrigtwohill, and they are enjoying it which is what racing is all about. He was a bit unlucky last year as he kept falling but this year it has come together for him.
"Chasing is his game at the end of the day. He's a lovely big horse and jumps really well. That was a lovely performance and he could be anything. We won this race last year with Consharon Boy, and it has thrown up some good horses in the past like Yorkhill and First Lieutenant."
(AM & EM)
