Chicago Time (Sean O'Keeffe) leads Ballywilliam Boy and Darragh O'Keeffe home© Photo Healy Racing
Chicago Time stepped up in trip and class from a maiden victory at the course a fortnight ago to land some wagers in the Listed Paddy’s Rewards Club EBF Novice Hurdle at Cork.
Backed from 13/2 into 5/1 on track, and supported down from offers of around 14/1 when markets first went up on the three miler, Chicago Time seemed to enjoy the patient approach employed by jockey Sean O'Keeffe.
Giving trainer Matty Tynan a huge success, the successful Shirocco gelding showed staying power in abundance to get the better of favourite Ballywilliam Boy from before the last. Three and three parts of a length eventually split them.
"That is unbelievable, and great for our yard and the Hassetts (owners). It is good for racing to see a small lad winning these races," said Tynan.
"Sean gave him a beautiful ride and got him into the race nice and handy. He seemed to be going well all the way and picked it up and went away with it.
"We were hoping for a good run as he was running consistently all the time. We weren't sure if we'd handle the heavy ground and we ran him over two miles, 2m4f and now three miles and it is hard to keep doing it all the time but he still does it.
"We'll give him a break now and we'll go for the Connollys Red Mills Series Final at Punchestown in April. That will be his aim and he has earned a well deserved break after this."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Benbulben Boy trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on his off fore post race.
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Benbulben Boy trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up lame.
(TW & EM)
