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

The Conker Club hopes rain stays away

Tue 12th May 2015, 09:42

The Conker Club, near sideThe Conker Club, near side
© Photo Healy Racing

Connections of The Conker Club are hoping for drying conditions when the mare runs at Limerick today.

The Bill Harney-trained six-year-old is one of the leading players for the Like Limerick Racecourse On Facebook Handicap Chase following her feisty victory at Fairyhouse in April.

Although runner-up Bellgrove drifted into her path late on, The Conker Club showed plenty of grit to claim a two-mile-one-furlong beginners' chase by a length and a quarter.

Harney has kept faith in a hood, which served her so well at Fairyhouse, but does not want any further heavy rainfall.

He said: "She's well and we're hoping she'll run well.

"She's been in good form recently and that was a very good run at Fairyhouse.

"A horse (Bellgrove) carried her left close home so she did it well, all things considered.

"She can be a bit of a nervous horse so we're keeping the hood on again as she settled fine at Fairyhouse.

"The only worry is the ground. She's not completely ground dependant but she doesn't want it heavy."

The Conker Club was due to be partnered by talented 3lb claimer Kevin Sexton, but she will have a late change of jockey at Limerick.

"Kevin can't do the weight so Danny Mullins is going to ride her," said the County Tipperary handler.

The Conker Club will face 10 rivals at Limerick, including last-time-out scorer The Mooch trained by Paul Nolan.

Consistent chaser Crown Theatre is likely to be a popular selection for trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Andrew Lynch, while Ballyfinboy has some decent form when on a going day. The Black Russian carries top weight, having got close to winning a Grade Three at Roscommon last autumn.