McCarthy enjoys winner following frustrating week

Well-backed Caoimhes Pet (morning 7/1, returned 7/2jf) made a winning return from injury and 227 days off when proving trainer Eoin McCarthy with a timely success in Killarney's Tote Fantasy Handicap Hurdle today.

The Sageburg-sired six-year-old mare was reported to have returned lame on her left fore when disappointing on her previous run in February but today, under Gary Noonan, reappeared fit and in fine fettle when out-battling runner-up Baltinglass Hill

McCarthy endured a frustrating week at his local Listowel festival last week and today quipped “I was expecting her to win but it's a week late!

“The bounce just didn't go our way at Listowel and while we hit the crossbar a few times, didn't really have the team.”

He added “this is a lovely filly, I'm delighted for John (Kelly, owner) who has been a good supporter of the yard. She was unlucky last year when she got a fracture in her fetlock on her last run, having been improving all last season.

“She is a typical Sageburg, as it takes them a while to learn their game but is improving. That wasn't the strongest race in the world but she got the job done.”