Big Bad Billy Bob is driven out by Ronan Whelan from Fit The Cove in second & Lady Lyrath in third© Photo Healy Racing
On his twentieth career start Big Bad Billy Bob (6/1) finally managed to get his head in front as he took the Killarney Grand Live Music Venue Handicap for his trainer Pat Flynn.
Before today nine different jockeys had attempted to win aboard the the gelding but on his first effort Ronan Whelan managed to guide him home in front.
The 5yo son of Toumba finished fourth on his last start at Gowran, three lengths behind Apache Gold
However he managed to reverse the form with that fellow today and after tracking the leaders early on he closed up, travelling well as they entered the straight.
He challenged and led a furlong and a half from home and he stayed on well under pressure from there to score by a length and a quarter.
The 12yo Fit The Cove ran well to take second at 10/1 for Harry Rogers and Mickey Cleere while Lady Lyrath was a further length and a half back in third at 11/2 for Shane Duffy
Winning trainer Pat Flynn said afterwards: "Pat Hayes only bought the horse the other day. He owns the Welcome Inn in Garryspillane in Limerick.
"He was over in the yard and he bought him in the kitchen off another owner of ours (Tom Cahill).
"Pat has bred and sold a good few horses down through the years.
"We always thought a lot of him but he had little bits and pieces of problems. We were finding it hard to get the weight off him but I really fancied him today.
"He will go to Galway now for one of the handicaps if he gets in."
(On-course reporting by Thomas Weekes)
