Flying Foley bags another notable success

Patrick Foley bagged a second notable success in three days today, training his first J.P. McManus-owned winner with well supported Verdant Place (13/8f) in Punchestown's Festival Hospitality Novice Handicap Hurdle.

Verdant Place was the second of stallion Walk In The Park's offspring to win on the card, scoring a hard-fought win, under a nicely-timed ride from Simon Torrens.

Foley, who won Saturday's featured €80,000 Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Chase with Rebel Gold, said “it's great to get that - I was a bit worried about the ground, as it was yielding to soft the last day he ran here.

“Simon said he'll stay further, he ran over 2m6f the last day but 2m4f is okay for him. He's a big baby, he's still green and is only learning. It'll take a little bit of time for the penny to drop fully with him.

“I wouldn't mind maybe coming back here for the 0-123 hurdle at the festival as I think that would be his time of the year but we'll see what they say. He'll be a chaser down the road - he's an out-and-out chaser.”

“We'll see what Frank (Berry, McManus' racing manager) says and see what we do with him from here.”

Regarding first winner in the famous McManus silks, he added “I can't thank JP and Frank enough for the opportunity. J.P. was good to my father and it's nice that he has put trust in me now. It's great to get a winner for him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson