Coolree and Leigh Roche win the William Hill Maiden at Killarney. © Photo Healy Racing
Coolree made all the running under Leigh Roche to run out a game winner of the William Hill Ireland Maiden at Killarney.
Despite being the lowest rated of those horses that had obtained a mark, the 63-rated gelding showed a real determined attitude in holding the strong challenge of odds-on favourite Most Wanted from over a furlong out.
With eight previous runs to his name, the Jennifer Lynch trained four-year-old looked exposed at this level but there was strong market support which saw his odds cut from 16/1 to half that price.
Having run very well in a trio of better class maidens at the Curragh last season, the son of Mondialiste showed that he retains plenty of ability.
Assistant Trainer Barry Cash said: "He had been disappointing and was very hot at the start and we couldn't travel him any further than the Curragh. He has manned up and settled down a good bit and I never thought we'd ever be bringing him away this far.
"He has copped on and the last day we thought we were doing the right thing by putting a hood on him but it put him asleep. We left it off today going shorter on slower ground and he had good form in handicaps.
"We took a chance running and it isn't ideal beating a horse rated 78 but if we finished second we'd have been sick, but he has won now we're delighted.
"He will want slow ground and you won't see him on quick again. He is owned by a couple of owners from the yard who joined up together and will be keen to sell."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
