Katla (Seamie Heffernan) crosses the line first in the Listed six-furlong race© Photo Healy Racing
Katla returned to form to record a shock 16/1 win in the Listed Mick Ramsey Lifetime In Racing Achievement Waterford Testimonial Stakes at the Curragh.
The only horse in training with John Grogan, a neighbour of Aidan O’Brien who trains between Cashel and Rosegreen, the restricted licence holder was in top form afterwards quipping, “Aidan trains near me, I don’t train near him!”
The four-year-old filly has now won at Listed level in all three seasons racing, and she showed great grit and determination in this six-furlong contest.
Seamie Heffernan sent her to the front over a furlong out but she was soon strongly pressed by 8/11 favourite Maarek on the outer and Colour Of Love (7/1) between the pair.
However Katla found that bit extra inside the final 100 yards and kept on best to beat the “jolly” by a length, with Colour Of Love just a nose further adrift in third.
The stewards were not impressed with Joseph O'Brien's use of the whip on Maarek, and he was given a three days suspension for excessive frequency and failing to give his mount time to respond.
Grogan said, “She’s come back but it’s hard on the heart! I worked her at (Tommy) Stack’s on grass. She did two bits of work and I think that crowned her.
“She was just not coming home in her races before, and I’m sure it’s that bit of work on grass that’s made the difference.
“She could run next in a five furlong Listed race at Dundalk later this month, while there is also a race for her at Doncaster early next month. We’ll see how she comes out of this before deciding what to do.”
