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

Mark Nunan

Jabbar strikes for O'Leary & Hayes

Mon 13th May 2024, 20:36

Jabbar (left) 
Jabbar (left)
© Photo Healy Racing

Ger O'Leary sent out his fourth winner of the season when Jabbar (6/1) struck under Amy Jo Hayes in the Bellewstown Racecourse Apprentice Handicap.

A dual winner last term but reappearing after a 220-day absence, the Galileo Gold gelding was ridden in mid-division on the outer early in the straight but picked up well to lead heading into the final quarter-mile.

He was probably in front plenty soon but managed to hold on for a half-length victory over Sixpack

“That was a superb ride. Dean Curran is with me now, he won on Jabbar here last year and came from the next parish. I let Dean instruct Amy how to ride the horse and she did exactly what he said,” said O'Leary.

“She was very polished. She restrained him early, as he was a bit free, and got cover. It was a beautiful ride and I'm delighted for her.

“I'm delighted for the lads in the yard as well, we have a fantastic team.

“We have the schooling over hurdles done with him and he'll go for a summer maiden hurdle.

“We'll see what the handicapper does with him here, he can't do a whole lot I suppose, and there might be another one of these if the ground is easy.”

Quotes from Gary Carson

1st
6/1
Tote €7.80 €1.80
2nd
0.5L
7/2
€1.10
3rd
0.5L
15/2
€3.00
4th
0.75L
15/2
bf
1.75L
10/3Fav
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.