Change of tactics brings further success for Catena Zapata A change of tactics brought about the same result, as Keith Donoghue produced Catena Zapata from off the pace to win the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Novice Hurdle at Kilbeggan. Having made most when registering a first victory over flights at Downpatrick last time, the seven-year-old was anchored towards rear of the five runners on this occasion. Last of the quintet after jumping two out, Catena Zapata came through to head long time leader Ebony King entering the straight. Already appearing to have the race in safe keeping, the Ian Donoghue trained winner had his task simplified when Ebony King fell at the final flight. That allowed Catena Zapata to come home six-and-a-half-lengths clear of Avondale. “I was happy when we got him, I heard James McAuley was in for him and he has a good eye in the claimers. It worked out well,” said Donoghue. “He was great the last day and very good there again. I fancied him coming here. He was drifting away but all the boys backed him so they are happy anyway. “Keith thought there was loads of pace in it. He can be keen and ran away with Adam Caffrey in Galway and blew his chance, we kind of fancied him going there. “It left it up to Keith and he switched off lovely. He said if he could have rode him again he wouldn’t have got there until the last. “He said going by the stable yard he thought he was coming off it but when he gave him a squeeze he came back on the bridle. “He’s a fair workhorse but, the same thing, he can be keen too. You can have the odd horse work all over him when he’s too keen early. Once he switches off he’ll stay at it. “I’m mad to go chasing with him, we have him schooled over fences. We might freshen him up and find a beginners for him. I think there’ll be a big pot in him, two miles over fences. “He was six grand from the claimer and I think that’s 18,900 euro he’s won in two runs. “Shane Crabbe goes out with my sister Gemma and he rang me when we claimed him. I’m delighted for Majella as well as she’s been under the weather. “Shane was mad to get a picture with her with a winner and I said to come today and she’s here. Hopefully that perks her up.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
