Coolmill clears the last under Joe Holly from Sam Da Vinci in second© Photo Healy Racing
Donal O’Shea, who trains locally in Glenbeigh, recorded his first winner as Coolmill sprang a 16/1 surprise in the opener at Killarney this evening, the Ross Golf Club Maiden Hurdle.
Ridden by Joe Holly, the six-year-old son of Cloudings had some decent form to his name before today, finishing just over two lengths fourth to Gold Bullet in a bumper on his debut at Clonmel last June.
He also finished third on his first two efforts over hurdles and on his sixth attempt over them this evening he raced prominently throughout.
He led and travelled best entering the straight and once ridden on the run-in he kept on well to score in comfortable fashion by two and a quarter lengths. Sam Da Vinci (11/2 this morning out to 9/1 at the off) ran well to take second for the father and son team of Tony and Danny Mullins while Grove Field was a further four and a quarter lengths back in third under Robbie Power for Colm Murphy at 5/1.
The Robert Tyner trained Kandinski went off the well supported 5/4 favourite (was 15/8 this morning and opened on track at 13/8) but he never really looked like winning under Ruby Walsh, finishing a disappointing sixth.
Donal O’Shea said afterwards: "I train in Glenbeigh and I have four in training at the moment. I got my license last year and that is my first winner.
"He has been placed a few times and he came on for the run the last day. Joe rides out for me sometimes."
Coolmill was purchased by O'Shea for just €500 at the Goresbridge October Sale in 2010.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
