Silly Mongoose lands maiden at third time of asking Having improved significantly from his first to second start over flights, the Pat Foley trained Silly Mongoose stepped forward again to win the Old Harbour Bar Tullamore (Q.R.) Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan. Tracking the leaders in the initial stages, David Doyle went on aboard the 7/2 chance after jumping the third flight. Making the rest of the running, the Decorated Knight gelding was strongly pressed by market leader Sharu on the approach to the last. However, the five-year-old wasn't for passing, showing plenty of determination to stay on to win by two-and-a-half lengths. “I’m delighted for the syndicate more than anything, they’ve been very patient with this fella as he’s been mentally and physically backward,” said Foley. “They actually sent him to me as a two-year-old with the view to running on the Flat with him, but he was a monster at two and I said to them they were going nowhere and to bring him back at three. “At three he was still a big baby. He came back at four and I said they’d be as well to go for a bumper with him. “They went that route but he’s a very backward, big, horse. They’ve had patience with him and they deserve it. “You can see with him he’s a bit lairy in front and he’s not the most straightforward. David was good and positive on him and that’s what he wants. “We’ll see what the handicapper does with him now and keep him going over the summer. “The syndicate would love a day out in Galway.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
