Akatara and Brian Hayes (near) beat Kalico Kim © Photo Healy Racing
The Aga Khan bred and Michael Bowe trained Akatara added some more colour to her road-less-travelled racing life when coming from last to first to claim her third career win today, each at Kilbeggan, in the Kilbeggan Handicap Hurdle.
Akatara chased the leaders early but soon dropped to the rear in the three miles race. With a circuit to race, she was under pressure from her rider Brian Hayes, in dead last. However she gradually made headway and on the run-in, quickened up well to deny Kalico Kim by a short head, winning on the nod.
Akatar has 'mixed it' in the past in Grade 1 company, taking on hurdling greats such as Thousand Stars, Hurricane Fly and Un De Sceaux and while predictably miles out of her depth then, has now earned in excess of E52,000 in win and place money for her adoring trainer Bowe.
The Bowe family have had much better horses pass through their hands than Akatara but the mare clearly holds a special place in the trainer's heart and he later stated “she is a madam and likes to do things her own way but it's horses for courses.
“She will run decent races at the likes of Punchestown and Fairyhouse but when it comes to winning she has to come to Kilbeggan!
“In fairness to her she has been healthy and sound and she has given us some sport in the last couple of seasons. The plan was to cover her as she has a tremendous pedigree: Willie Mullins paid E90,000 for her half-brother recently at the Sales and her three-parts brother by Galileo is in next year's Epsom Derby.
“It's a great old fashioned Aga Khan pedigree and we're looking forward to breeding from her. It would be silly go go chasing with her as I think she would sulk and I don't think she'd enjoy chasing. In truth and I don't think we'd enjoy watching her jumping!”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
