Snapchat and Katie O'Farrell turn on the style at Listowel© Photo Healy Racing
Katie O'Farrell rode her second winner when on his first start for John 'Shark' Hanlon, Snapchat pretty much ran away with the John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle at Listowel.
Snapchat ran around approaching the first, he was clear from the next but that advantage was eroded at the fifth last.
The 9/1 chance, at the centre of an investigation which saw O'Farrell's father Seamus pick up a disqualification in Britain for three months (layed the horse to lose at Uttoxeter in October 2013, when racing in his colours for the Seamus Durack yard) was pressed entering the straight.
He made a slight mistake at the second last but he was pushed out to assert from before the last, going on to easily beat Moores Road and the well-backed odds-on favourite, Tiger Trek by seven lengths and three parts of a length.
"They gave her an easy lead probably – which was great. She gave him a top ride, she used her head by giving him a breather down the back and she kept a bit for home.
"She's a great girl so she is – she's a topper. She knows her job.
"When they came to join her she had a little bit left in the tank. She knows the horse well – she rides him out at home. She's a great girl.
"Of course it's nice for her to win on ladies day," reflected Hanlon.
O'Farrell herself said: "It was a surprise really – I knew he was going well but I wasn't sure if he had enough done.
"He was really good. He jumped like a buck and I was delighted with him.
"I ride out in Ballydoyle too. It's great, I love it there but it's all flat so there's no schooling and occasionally I have to get home quickly during lunch hours and get a bit of schooling in before I go back.
"It paid off here anyway."
B.T. O'Connell, rider of Rouen Again trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up injured.
J.J. Burke, rider of Star Question trained by W.J. Burke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.
A. Ring, rider of Eve's Warrior trained by P.J.F. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise and pulled up.
(TW & EM)
