18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Ferrari has too much boot for apprentice rivals

Tue 21st May 2024, 19:10

Cork 21 May 2024Signor Ferrari and Hugh Horgan win for trainer Johnny Feane from The Bear Trap Healy RacingCork 21 May 2024Signor Ferrari and Hugh Horgan win for trainer Johnny Feane from The Bear Trap Healy Racing
© Photo Healy Racing

The John Feane trained Signor Ferrari got off the mark at the 12th attempt when staying on well to win the Blackwater Apprentice Handicap at Cork.

The three-year-old, who had finished runner-up over ten furlongs at Dundalk in February, seemed to appreciate dropping back in trip here under Hugh Horgan.

Prominent from stalls, the eventual winner sat fifth in the early stages as Still Rolling made the running in the centre of the track.

As the latter gave way over 2f out, Grand Citadel came through to lead briefly on the far side of the track. However, with that horse hanging right and giving jockey Amy Jo Hayes no help, she was there on sufferance.

Signor Ferrari was pushed along to challenge over a furlong out, coming through to lead inside the final furlong before going on to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths from The Bear Trap

Winning jockey Hugh Horgan said: "I felt he ran well the last time when he finished sixth and was unlucky in-running and didn't have a hard race. I thought he'd have a chance today.

"I think he is versatile ground-wise as he has a big action but skips along on that ground and to be fair to him he put his head down where it mattered. Hopefully he will gain confidence from that, that is a lot to do with them as once they have confidence, the become much better.

"A strongly run seven (furlongs) is ideal but he will stay a mile."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

1st
16/1
Tote €22.60 €3.80
2nd
1.25L
3/1Fav
€1.60
3rd
0.5L
14/1
€2.80
4th
1.25L
12/1
€3.30
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.