The Pargey Bee © Photo Healy Racing
After several good placed efforts this year, The Pargey Bee (5/1) made the breakthrough at his local track when landing the three-year-old handicap.
Siobhan Rutledge had the Camacho gelding in a handy position from the outset and he and Clarinbridge went past the front-running Celtic Revival a quarter of a mile from home. The winner, despite having a good look around in front, mastered Clarinbridge in the final furlong to score by half a length with Bayou Belle finishing best of all to be just another head away in third.
The Gavin Cromwell-trained The Last Swallow and Breezy Zoff were sent off 4/1 joint-favourites but neither landed a blow.
Winning trainer John McConnell said: "He does have a think about the game, I think he is a bit of a deep thinker. He likes to have a cigar before he puts his head in front!
"He did it, though, and he did it without headgear so you can't fault him. He's maybe just a late bloomer mentally, but hopefully the penny might drop now.
"I think he is still green and I'm delighted for the guys that got him, he wasn't an expensive horse. He has given them a lot of fun but it is all being well being placed, but you want to get that win so you can breathe a sigh of relief! They are delighted.
"Siobhan (Rutledge) gave him a peach, she wasn't taking no for an answer."
Quotes from Michael Graham
