McGettigan gets a Flier in Division One of Apprentices Handicap Patrick McGettigan partnered the Denise Foster trained Flier to win Division l of the Racing TV Apprentice Handicap at Gowran Park. A Dundalk winner on the all-weather in March, the six-year-old ran a big race back on turf when runner-up at Leopardstown last month. Up with the pace early on here, Flier lost her position before halfway. Making good headway on the outer to lead over a furlong out, the mare kept on strongly close home. “I was very nervous when I saw the draw but the one thing she does is jump smart and she’s very rideable,” said Foster. “She was beautifully ridden, he got her in exactly the right place. She always hits a little flat spot which actually helped him, he was able to kick on then and she answered all his calls. “I’m delighted for her, she’s a filly that has turned inside out. She has a lovely owner, Richard Wilmot-Smith, who is sadly in London but he’s been a big supporter of mine. Talk about patience, it’s taken her a little while but at least she’s now got two on the board this year. “She’s as tough as nails and she likes a battle. Onward and upwards.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
