Red Vermillion and Emmet McNamara (two shades of blue) win from Cool Colonnade (purple sleeves)© Photo Healy Racing
The 8/11 favourite Cool Colonnade had every chance entering the final furlong of the Fenor Handicap (Div II) but couldn’t find a way past the very resolute Red Vermilion (14/1).
The Kevin Coleman-trained daughter of Excelebration had won at Fairynhouse in June and had subsequently run well over 2m1f when fifth to Mandarin Monarch (winner earlier on this card) at Limerick last month.
Here, she battled on well in the Saturday evening finale to defeat the market leader by half a length, with the same margin back to 66/1 chance Liam Eile in third.
Epsom Derby-winning rider Emmet McNamara was on board and remarked: "That's the hardiest filly I've ever ridden. She is as tough as old boots.
"She was a little bit in my hands as we weren't going a million miles an hour but she toughed it out really well.
"Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on her because there might another little one in her again like that.
"Fair play to Kevin (Coleman), he had her spot on. He is doing a great job with those few horses he has at the moment and I'm delighted to ride a winner for him."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
