Shakespearean character lands gamble for 'shrewdie' O'Brien Richard O'Brien is making a splash in the Irish flat racing scene at present and was responsible for Bianca Minola, who landed a gamble to win on her first start for the Co Limerick based trainer in the Fermoy Handicap at Cork today. Bianca Minola had previously raced in Britain for trainer David Menuisier and, having her first start for O'Brien today, was backed from 12/1 generally this morning in to a 5/1 chance at the off. Jockey Bill Lee improved Bianca Minola to lead entering the home straight and while she tired in the closing stages, Lee's manoeuvre to secure the running rail in the closing stages was almost a 'match-winner', as it helped secure a half length win over staying on Challow. O'Brien, whose website and blog makes for entertaining reading, wasn't present but later relayed “her owner Clive Washbourn is a massive enthusiast and she is his first horse in Ireland and I'm very grateful to have her. “She has been a pleasure to train, is very straightforward and hopefully there'll be another day or 2 in her. She's in again at Roscommon Tuesday buy may not need to go 12f yet. I'll chat to Billy and see how she is.” Lee had earlier commented "she jumped and travelled well and was drawn 2 so Richard said to keep it simple. "I probably got there plenty soon enough but I knew from her winning previously over 1m4f on heavy ground at Flos Las that she'd stay the trip. She wanted company in the last 100 yards but had a bit left at the line. "Hopefully there'll be another day or two in her and she's in at Roscommon on Tuesday. "I ride out with Richard the odd day and he has been very good to me." Bianca Minola, a daughter of Shakespearean, is named after a character in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
