Qaabil lands inspired gamble

Nineteen-race maiden Qaabil landed an inspired Gowran gamble on reappearance today, as the six year old began his second stint with trainer Peter Fahey with a win in the Societies At Gowran Park Apprentice Handicap.

Unsuccessful in eight runs in France and England, Qaabil joined Fahey in 2020, trainer Kieran Cotter in 2021 and today reappeared with Irish form-figures of '086090-00700', having previously finished 22nd of 23 at the Curragh, on August 13 2021.

Having his first run for owner Kieran Leavy, Qaabil went largely unsupported all day but in the ten minutes prior to the off, his show price tumbled from 16/1 and was returned 4/1 joint-favourite.

In the race, Qaabil had the hugely advantageous inside draw as jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle made most on the son of Charm Spirit, beating Barnhill Rose by two and a half lengths.

Afterwards Fahey reported “we picked him out at Doncaster a couple of years ago for a syndicate, we had him for a season but ended up losing him to another trainer. So to get him back and win makes things all that sweeter.

“He will probably be sold to stay in the yard and will be great fun for a syndicate to run during the winter in Dundalk.”

He added “I always thought a bit of him and I think stepping up to a mile is what he really wants. He was just ready for the run today and will progress a lot. If you have a good draw here and are close to the pace, you have a great chance of winning.

“He’ll love Dundalk as well so is going to be a real fun horse.”

Quotes from Alan Magee