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Holy See defies topweight to land finale under Orr

Holy See and Jamie Orr Holy See and Jamie Orr
© Healy Racing Photos

Jamie Orr rode a third career winner when guiding the Bill Durkan owned and trained Holy See to victory in the concluding Gowranpark.ie Handicap.

Getting the perfect box seat position early on, Orr tracked the leader Rock Of Ireland into the straight, before moving up to challenge two-furlongs out.

Leading over a furlong from home, the 14/1 chance kept on strongly to win by three-quarters-of-a-length.

“It’s nice to get the third one on the board and get the 10lb claim away,” said Orr.

“It’s nice to get a winner for the Durkans, who have done a lot for me, it’s a nice way to thank them.

“He had plenty of form over jumps. It was his first run on the Flat and Gary (Bannon) said to go out and enjoy it and see what happens.

“He did it nicely and is a nice horse going forward on the Flat. He said to jump out, see where we land, and let him enjoy it.

“Luckily the race panned out nicely, the gaps opened when I needed them and I had the horse to do it.

“He galloped to the line very well and I’d say he’s a smart horse.

“They were expecting a big run, maybe in the first three. He’s been working well at home and had good form on the Flat in France. He loved the ground.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.

1st
14/1
Tote €16.50 €4.00
2nd
0.75L
7/4Fav
€1.10
3rd
0.75L
7/2
€1.50
4th
nk
11/2
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.