He'llberemembered (left) and Shane Butler© Photo Healy Racing
Champion Trainer Willie Mullins' farrier Paul Fahey was on the mark in his part-time role as a trainer when his He'llberemembered landed the featured Carrickmines Handicap Chase (Grade B) at Leopardstown today, providing seven pounds claimer Shane Butler with big race success.
Smaller yards and lesser known jockeys have struggled for big race success this season but Butler produced He'llberemembered with perfect timing to lead before the final fence to score a three parts of a length win over Pineau De Re
Fahey shoes Mullins' horses and later joked “in fairness I'm not a trainer so imagine what he'd (He'llberemembered) do if a trainer had him!
“He's (He'llberemembered) has been knocking on the door in good handicap hurdles and deserved his chance. Shane gave him a lovely ride and two of the fancied horses falling helped him a lot.
“Part-owner Mary Lett bred him and has been a good friend for many years. They have all the horse's family at home and it goes to show that breeding him off a cheap stallion, there's room for the small man.
“The plan was always to come here because all the better horses are going to Cheltenham. There are good handicaps this and next weekend and we've also been toying with idea of the Irish National - we'll make an entry and hopefully the handicapper won't be too harsh on him. If we got the right weight we might take our chance in it.
He added “I can't celebrate too much as Willie (Mullins, winner-less on the day) will be looking for plates to be put on in the morning. Hurricane Fly is a difficult horse to shoe but is one I am pleasing to have some kind of an association with.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
