Silent Approach and Danny Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Con O'Keeffe's Silent Approach sprang a 33/1 shock to land the Grade 2 O'Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Cork this afternoon. Harmonya Maker was sent to post a well-supported 6/4 favourite in the two-miler and jumped out to make the running.
The favourite didn't help herself by jumping off to her left though and was joined by the outsider when going badly left at the fifth.
Danny Mullins was in front five from home on Silent Approach and she had the favourite at work going to the second last.
The Walk In The Park mare had a bit of a look going to the penultimate fence but knuckled down gamely from the last to post a comprehensive three-and-a-quarter length win.
"It is a great win and I must dedicate it to my wife Claire who lost her mother Peggy last week. She was always the first one to ring me after we won a race so this is great for Claire and my family,” said O'Keeffe.
"We have been jumping hurdles all year but the lads have been saying to jump fences and she is a fantastic jumper who is improving all the time.
“We were hopeful as she was in great form and Danny gave her a fantastic ride. Credit also to the lads Larry, Eddie, Justin and Dylan at home as they have done fantastic work with her.
"We have had the family for three generations and you could write what I know about training horses on a postage stamp, as breeding is our game.
“I'm delighted for Tadhg (O'Sullivan, joint-owner) who has been with me with our horses from the beginning."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
