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Farrells just holds on in Leopardstown thriller

Sweet My Lord crashes out as Farrells Fancy goes on to scoreSweet My Lord crashes out as Farrells Fancy goes on to score
© Photo Healy Racing

Sweet My Lord fell at the last when holding every chance in the Grade A Leopardstown Handicap Chase and in the end the nicely-supported Farrells Fancy (25s first quote from one leading layer into an SP of 9s) just held on from Sweeney Tunes.

Mark Enright (got a two day ban for the whip - didn't give his mount time to respond) rode Farrells Fancy for the Beir Bua Syndicate which includes Cork football manager, Conor Counihan, and the head victor is trained by Terence O'Brien.

The Cork handler explained: "We always thought there was a big prize in him but he nearly didn't run as he doesn't really like heavy ground. It was a toss of a coin as to whether he'd run or not.

"We had the race in mind all year, that and the Paddy Power. He was a bit keen in the Paddy Power and the same again today.

"I would have really fancied him if the ground had been better.

"After ringing the head of the syndicate, Gerry Crowley, we decided to declare him anyway, having spoken to Lorcan Wyer (clerk of the course) as well.

"We took a chance. He travelled really easy into the race but he got a bit tired having been keen.

"He'll go for the novice handicap at Cheltenham. It's a big syndicate and they enjoy their racing.

"The hill there might be a bit stiff for him but they'll go a stride quicker which should help him to settle.

"It's great because he had his troubles in the past including sustaining a stress fracture at one stage." (GC & EM)