Jubilant connections with The Amarillo Kid in Cork© Photo Healy Racing
The Amarillo Kid flew the last fence on his way to winning the valuable Grade B Cork Racecourse Kinsale Handicap Chase.
Mikey Fogarty came in for the ride on the eight-year-old gelding as his original mount, Dick Dundee, was a non-runner due to sustaining a stone bruise. He replaced Ben Dalton. Farrells Fancy was in the process of running a big race at the head of affairs but suffered a fatal fall at the second last.
Coming to the final fence Fosters Cross and The Amarillo Kid raced track-width apart, with the former just in front. However, The Amarillo Kid’s superb jump brought him right into the mix and he kept on well to win by three parts of a length at 12/1.
A delighted trainer Willie Codd said: “It’s a fantastic pot! My horses weren’t right for about a year until six or eight weeks ago, but they are now firing.
“He rides like a three miler, but he’s a half brother to Bacchanal who was a staying hurdler. He’s better over two miles.
“He’ll get an entry for Wexford next Sunday, but he’s ground dependant so we’ll see what the ground is like.
“It’s my biggest win. It’s unfortunate for Ben, but I’m delighted for Mikey. He’s had a great start to his professional career.
“He’s a second cousin of mine and has been a massive help riding out over the years. He started with me as a 14-year-old.”
Second-placed money went to Fosters Cross at 14/1, while Mahrajaan completed the placings another eight and a half lengths back at 16/1.
Rob Jones was on board Farrells Fancy as Davy Condon was stood down for the day after taking a fall from High Net Worth in the first race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
