The Eyes Have It and Connor King hold on from Ishebayorgrey© Photo Healy Racing
The Eyes Have It was popular in early trading on the coral.ie Bet 5 Euro Get 20 Euro In Free Bets Handicap at Fairyhouse. The son of Arcano eventually went off a 9/2 chance and he prevailed in race five under Connor King.
King, in the familiar red and green of Mayo native Garrett Frayne, gained a narrow lead on the Andy Oliver-handled four-year-old two furlongs out.
The Eyes Have It was strongly pressed and stayed on well close home to hold Ishebayorgrey by half a length.
Another to catch the eye with his finishing effort was fourth home Oor Jock
Straffan-based vet Freyne explained: "He's only got one eye and has had more problems than any other horse I've owned. He was lame on his near-fore for a long time, then he got colic, and after he won (at Naas) he broke his pelvis at Leopardstown.
"He's coming right again and is very genuine. Going right-handed isn't easy for him with just a left eye, and he lost a lot of ground at Gowran Park coming wide on the bend the last day.
"That brings me over 80 winners. I had seven last year but this is my first winner this year, and I was starting to worry would it come."
(AM & EM)
