Poignant success — a 1st of 2021 in Ireland for McManus As referenced by commentator Jerry Hannon “racings thoughts are with the McManus family,” a fitting line to herald the success of Roseys Hollow in division one of the Follow Fairyhouse 'Racing From Home' Mares Maiden Hurdle. The O’Neills were understandably emotional when winning for the ‘green and gold’ at Bangor on Thursday with Flight Deck, a first victory for J P McManus since the tragic loss of his daughter-in-law Emma on December 30th. Odds-on favourite Roseys Hollow (10/11 favourite) travelled smoothly through this extended two and a quarter miler for Mark Walsh, and she proved too strong for market rival Global Equity from before the last. Four lengths eventually separated them and winning trainer Jonathan Sweeney said: “It was very good and it's great to get it. “It's great for JP and his family in tragic times. I pass on my deepest sympathies to them. “She jumped well, travelled, did everything well and Mark was happy. “We'll get over today and I'll have a chat with Frank (Berry). He'll talk to JP and see what the plan is. She's a nice mare.” C.J. Orr, rider of X' Girl trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race. (GC & EM)
