Reckless Lad (red cap) beats Hatton Cross (left) and Beau Satchel© Photo Healy Racing
Pat Martin has enjoyed a superb run of success of late, and the Navan handler sent out his ninth winner in the past five weeks as Reckless Lad recorded his first victory on turf in the O'Keeffe's Marquee Hire Rathmore Handicap at Killarney.
The five-year-old gelding's three previous wins had all come on the Polytrack at Dundalk but there was plenty of confidence that he would go close in this extended mile event as his odds were clipped in on track from 8/1 to 13/2.
Shane Foley produced the son of Chevalier with a perfectly timed challenge to lead close home. Hatton Cross also came home strongly to be beaten just a neck, while top-weight Beau Satchel held every chance after striking the front a furlong out but faded close home to finish third.
A delighted Martin said, "That was some ride, pure balls!
"We were disappointed with him the last day at Bellewstown and, while the ground was lovely, it wasn't quite soft enough for him. He went to sleep and never travelled but I prayed fro rain last night and Shane gave him a hell of a ride.
"He needs a strong pace and you have to be brave on him . He deserved the win."
(TW & AM)
