Johnny King© Photo Healy Racing
Put up, each-way, by your scribe on the formscan for the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Fillies Scheme Premier bumper, Tropical Three came home a tasty 12/1 victor of the big money contest under Johnny King at Punchestown.
A former point-to-point winner, Tropical Three has it on pedigree (out of a half-sister to Tropical Lake) and the grey is a good one herself as she showed here, making virtually all and finding loads for pressure when required to beat Bluemountainbeach by three and a half lengths.
Trainer of the aforementioned Tropical Lake (a serious mare for the yard in the 90s), Hourigan also handles her 'niece' and he said: "She ran in Listowel on terrible ground and all she did was stay on.
"I was running her over hurdles to keep her for this race.
"I was very worried about the ground but it all worked out well.
"I had no confidence. I knew she was well but I couldn't control the ground.
"She won a point-to-point and I told Johnny to pop her out and be handy.
"I said to him if she stays there she stays there as I knew she would stay. I said to him don't be trying to come through horses.
"She has a wonderful pedigree – she'll probably get a break now and start fresh at the end of September.
"She was bought with the intention of this race. The money was spent and we took our chance." (GC & EM)
