Strike Red and Billy Garritty © Photo Healy Racing
Strike Red (7/1) struck for north Yorkshire in the Curragh's Paddy Power Scurry Handicap today, winning for trainer Richard Fahey and providing jockey Bill Garrity with a big-race winner on his first visit to Ireland.
The five-year-old was produced from off the pace to eventually lead inside the final furlong and beat Aussie Girl and 18 other rivals.
Fahey wasn't present and Garrity, whose biggest UK winners have come in similar 'Heritage' handicaps, commented “he's been a good horse to me and a good horse to the yard. He keeps picking up these premier handicaps and I'm absolutely delighted.
“I was confident, the guv'nor said 'you've got a good draw so just keep down the stand's side'. I didn't think Ripon was really suited to him - the ground was a little bit quick the last day.
“He likes coming through horses and he was always playing in the race really. When he gets there he probably doesn't do a lot, he just pricks his lugs. He enjoys those big runner handicaps and it's great to see him win.
“I just tried to pick my time and execute the plan.”
Principally supported by Fahey and was until recently by retired trainer Keith Dalgleish, Garritty was asked how the Curragh compared to the UK and quipped “it's not really (different), you are still racing around a field!
“It's a good track and they have good facilities here, I was surprised. It's my first time to Ireland and they have brilliant facilities in the weigh-room.
“I don't know the plans, the guv'nor does that — he lets me ride him and I'll leave the training to him. I'd love to come back anyway.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
