Rebel Fitz rocks in Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle at Galway
After a nail-biting clash, Michael Winters’ 7-year-old charge, Rebel Fitz, secured a close victory in the Grade A Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle at Galway on Thursday, August 2nd. The 2-mile race, carrying the first prize of £130,500.00, was
run over nine hurdles.
It was a nerve-wracking contest between Rebel Fitz and Cause Of Causes. The two runners ran equally well, but luck eventually twisted in favour of Winters’ trainee.
The 11-2 chance held up towards rear in the beginning. However, he quickly improved his work to come closer over 3f out. Ridden by Davy Russell, the 7-year-old travelled well to lead, and kept on well in the final moments.
Cause Of Causes came up with a serious challenge, but Rebel Fitz handled the situation quite nicely to stay ahead. On the other hand, Gordon Elliott’s trainee was short of room approaching last. In the hands of Davy Condon, the four-year-old stayed on well
under pressure, but failed to overtake the winner.
The leading pair battle hard for the top rank, while Captain Cee Bee was well behind. A. P. McCoy’s trainee was beaten by two and a quarter lengths. Pan A ended up fourth, whereas Sailors Warn completed the order of five.
Winters expressed delight over his charge’s fantastic victory. He stated after the race: "Coming down the hill I thought we were beat and I thought we were done on the line. We had a fantastic rehearsal at Tipperary, he came out of that race great and as
you can see the owners enjoyed it as well. They were like lunatics after the race."
It was a terrible day for Drive Time, who earned the highest odds of 4 to 1. Under Ruby Walsh, W. P. Mullins’ runner could not complete the race, as he fell at the fourth hurdle. After suffering a terrible tumble, the rider went unconscious for more than
a minute, and was taken to the hospital for x-rays.
Talking about the jockey’s health, Dr Adrian McGolrick, Turf Club medical officer, disclosed: "Ruby is stood down automatically for six days because he was knocked out. We'll wait and see what the tests on his sore shoulder reveal."
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