Bay Of Freedom and Kevin Sexton© Photo Healy Racing
"When we schooled him at home he just turned into a horse that just loved jumping fences. Coming here today we were a bit negative as it was only his second run over fences, going for a race like this and taking on more experienced horses," admitted trainer Peter Fahey after his Bay Of Freedom landed the featured Listed M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase at Wexford under Kevin Sexton.
Fahey needn't have worried as his 8/1 chance handled the two mile seven furlong assignment beautifully to beat Presenting Mahler by eight lengths.
Favourite Domesday Book beat only one home whilst Tiger Roll the 5/2 second market-choice finished third. Thanks For Tea wasn't making much impression chasing the winner when she fell at the second last.
"He put in a fair performance and we'll tip away with him and see what happens. He will go on softer ground as well. I'd love to go for a nice handicap with him, that's what I think he will be, one of the good staying handicap chasers. We might stick him in one later on in the season and see," further explained Fahey.
"It's hard to know what sort of mark he is going to get so I don't know what we'll do. He was well weighted today, he was getting a good bit of weight off a few of them.
"I'm delighted for Paul (Leech, winning owner) who flew over from America to see him. He flew over last week to see him work and he flew over again today to see him running.
"Gavin Lawlor does everything with him at home. He suffers a bit with ulcers and has to have a bit of time between races so Gavin does a brilliant job with him."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Domesday Book (USA), trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(DM & EM)
