Curragh trainer John Oxx and rider Fran Berry made Irish racing history yesterday when their filly Brocheta landed the first flat race run at the new Limerick racetrack on Saturday afternoon.
Before a sparse attendance, the 4/1 shot, one of eight horses in training with Oxx owned by Hillsborough-based Ulster breeder Tom Wilson, held the luckless market leader Major Title by a rapidly diminishing half-a-length in the Bruff Median Auction Race, prompting the smiling winning handler to remark afterwards, 'This is a brilliant place.'
'My father had the pleasure of training the first flat winner (Arctic Soverign) at Fairyhouse in the late 60's and it's nice to train the first one here. This filly is tough and learnt a bit after her only run at Tipperary (7th) and we'll find a nice little handicap somewhere,' concluded Oxx.
Later the Oxx/Berry alliance completed a 34/1 double when top-weight Khaisara, despite running around after hitting the front inside the final furlong, defied top-weight at odds of 6/1.
'I wasn't optimistic beforehand as I thought she had a bit too much weight. She'll go for more handicaps,' said Oxx of the Polar Falcon filly owned by his leading patron HH Aga Khan.
Dermot Weld found the winners enclosure after the twelve furlong maiden when he saddled Mr Andrea to record a bold pillar to post victory in the hands of stable jockey Pat Smullen. 'He's a genuine tough colt and as he's Italian owned the Italian Derby is now a possibility.'
Weld last tasted victory in the Rome Classic ten years ago with In A Tiff.
Rathkenny, trained by permit holder Liam O'Brien justified good support in the ring when winning the Adare Novice Hurdle under regular pilot John Cullen, who went on to complete a double aboard Husdale in the finale.
