18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Henry gets O'Leary off the mark with 33/1 win

Sat 13th Jul 2024, 14:33

Getaway Henry and Donagh Meyler Getaway Henry and Donagh Meyler
© Photo Healy Racing

Getaway Henry sprang a 33/1 shock when running out a game winner of the second division of the Tote Handicap Hurdle at Wexford, giving Charleville trainer Danny O'Leary his first victory under rules.

The Getaway gelding was produced to take a narrow lead turning for home by Donagh Meyler and had to find plenty in the closing stages. The Striker Dylan threw down a strong challenge on the inner from the last but Getaway Henry stuck to his task well to prevail by half a length.

It was a big improvement in form from the winner who had pulled up on his reappearance at Listowel early last month.

O'Leary said: "That's my first winner and I only have one horse. I have the licence about five or six years, and we were due a winner.

“My father and uncle always had race horses at home, we are farmers though and this is kind of a hobby. We are based in Tullylease on the Cork, Limerick border near Kanturk.

"He had been working well at home and we were hopeful today. The ground in Listowel the last day was too soft for him. He is family owned and my sister Christina bred him."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.