Croi Corcra © Photo Healy Racing
Four-time point-to-point winner Croi Corcra (15/2) got into the Waterford Greenway Beginners Chase as a reserve and made the most of her opportunity under replacement rider Ricky Doyle.
Doyle, deputising for Kieren Buckley, kept his mount in a prominent position towards the outer and she led after the third-last en route to a seven-length victory over Knocknagappagh
Trained by Colin Bowe, the daughter of Soldier Of Fortune had been third over hurdles at Fairyhouse on her previous start and was making only her second start over racecourse fences.
Brendan Walsh, stable representative, said: "She has been getting her act together on her last few runs. She had a good run in Kilbeggan and again the last day at Fairyhouse. She was so lowly rated that it was hard to get her into hurdles and that's why we went over fences. She seemed to appreciate the cut in the ground too and we would have said she was probably a better ground mare.
I'm delighted for her owner Patrick Fortune who is from Adamstown in Co Wexford. He has been very, very patient and has given her a lot of chances. She originally ran in the colours of Patrick's father (also named Patrick) who passed away after she won a point-to-point. It was always his father's intention to race her on the track, so young Patrick has kept it going. Patrick senior bred her as well. She won four point-to-point's and we have no fancy plans with her."
"She has a good pedigree and her dam Rapid Heartbeat is from the family of Shishkin and Voler La Vedette."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
