Big Gossey makes it ten wins at the Curragh in the Dash Big Gossey continued his love affair with the Curragh when recording a tenth course win in the Listed Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes. The popular nine-year-old grey appeared to have plenty to do over a furlong out as Tango Flare set the pace and was challenged by Bodhi Bear. However, Billy Lee got a great tune out of the 5/2 favourite inside the final 150 yards getting up close home to score by three-quarters of a length. Winning trainer Charles O’Brien said, “He’s becoming sort of a cult figure around here. “I only walk into the racecourse and people are coming up to me wishing me well. ‘God he’s great, I hope he wins again’, that sort of thing. He’s got his own little fanbase.” When asked about his longevity and following he added, “Well you have to have a nine-year-old by Gutaifan that you couldn’t sell anywhere because he was a box-walker and not very nice as a young horse. That’s how they end up staying around! “Gary (O’Brien) brought him into the place. He came to me and said, ‘I have this horse would you like to take him?’ “He gave me the run down and I said, ‘not very much, but I’ll take him if you look after him’. He has certainly done that. “He gets on great with Billy too, the two of them are made for each other. “They are not easy won these races; they are all on big days. He’s been at every Guineas and Derby festival, and he’ll come back here for the Oaks festival. It’s not like he’s picking up soft races.” Lee said, “He’s a great little horse and always tries to give you everything. “I thought coming here he didn’t really have to find anything from his last run to win this. “About two and a half down I thought I was in a bit of trouble as they quickened but he really picked up on the rising ground inside the last furlong. “It is beautiful, safe ground but it’s probably just a bit tight for this fella. “This year he’s taken his form to another level. It’s a pleasure riding him. “You have your favourites and this fella is right up there.” Quotes by Gary Carson
