Perceval Legallois (Derek O'Connor) has Hara Kiri (Patrick Mullins) beaten at Gowran© Photo Healy Racing
The concluding P.J. Foley Memorial INH Flat Race on Thyestes Day at Gowran went in impressive style to Gavin Cromwell’s newcomer Perceval Legallois (12/1).
Pre-race this was all about 4/11 favourite Hara Kiri but unusually on the big afternoon in County Kilkenny Willie Mullins was to draw a blank (1st time since 2006), as the free going sort could manage only third.
Meanwhile in the hands of Derek O’Connor Perceval Legallois chased the leaders, and he was a close second halfway.
Disputing the lead four furlongs out, the Ballingarry gelding led travelling well two furlongs out. Pushed out to assert a furlong out, the exciting youngster quickened away in the closing stages to easily defeat Noble Birth by five and a half lengths.
"That was great. We've liked him and I was fairly confident he'd handle conditions. Obviously we were very afraid of Willie's (Mullins) horse coming here but I'm not one bit surprised because he has shown us plenty at home,” said Cromwell.
"My wife Kiva along with the breeder have half shares and they sent him over from France; I won a bumper with his half-brother (Wavelength).
"He'll be for sale."
Paddy Power go 25/1 first show non runner no bet on Perceval Legallois for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
(TW & EM)
