Raphael and Stephen Mooney (near)© Photo Healy Racing
Raphael caused a 22/1 upset when improving markedly on his two disappointing recent efforts when landing the Kelly Farm Modernisation Ltd. Apprentice Handicap at Killarney today for trainer Ado McGuinness and jockey Stephen Mooney.
The son of Roderic O'Connor was previously twice successful for trainer Kevin Prendergast and while rated 86 at his peak, had finished last on his last two starts in recent weeks.
Today, Raphael pegged back back clear leader Mary Salome in the closing stages and edged ahead at the line for a short-head win.
Afterwards McGuinness explained “he was very keen and half ran-away the last two runs. I put a different bridle on him today and Stephen (Mooney) gets on with him. He gave him a good ride the first day he rode him in Navan and today they had a nice draw and he bucked out really well.
“I knew the ground would really suit him today and there's a 0-90 for him in Galway and might run in it now.”
“On his day he is a good horse but had his problems and bled during the winter when he probably wasn't in love with the all-weather surface.”
