Colla Pier lands gamble for maiden win

Jumps trainer Paddy Mooney registered his first Flat winner since 1998 when his Colla Pier landed a gamble to win the Book Your Stag Or Hen Party At Fairyhouse Apprentice Handicap at Fairyhouse today, under apprentice jockey Killian Hennessy.

The daughter of Hawk Wing was a maiden of 19 runs and on her fourth trainer coming into today's race but attracted strong support from 20/1 generally this morning into her 7/1 SP.

Mooney, father of jumps jockey Martin Mooney, later stated “I thought she mightn't be fit enough for today and I thought the 1m2f might be a bit sharp as I've never run her on the flat before today.

“She doesn't take a whole lot of work at home and should improve a bit for that. The young lad (Killian Hennessy) gave her a great ride and the gaps came at the right time. She'll get a mile and half no bother and might also get 1m6f.”

Mooney's previous Flat winner was with Luminoso at Bellewstown in July 1998.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson