Quarry Girl finishes off very strongly© Photo Healy Racing
Living's Boy An Co became the latest member of the '1.01 club' to be chinned when Quarry Girl got up by a short head at Fairyhouse.
Sean Flanagan and Living's Boy An Co certainly looked to have the race at their mercy as they were holding Little Actress on the run-in of this extended two and a half mile maiden hurdle and traded at the shortest possible odds.
Quarry Girl (9/2) didn't jump it the best in third and seemed booked for that spot, however, she got a scent of victory and a power-packed finish from trainer/jockey Denis Hogan drove her home for the verdict.
Living's Boy An Co didn't do much wrong but had to take the runner-up berth at 8/1. Little Actress was a close third at 7/1.
“I needed to wing the last but she galloped through it. I knew going to the last that if I landed running I had a chance but I didn't and she just got there in the nick of time,” said Hogan.
“Neither Sean or me knew who had won. She's a staying mare and coming to three out I was flat to the boards.
“I was about to pull her out, send her on and make use of her, because she lacks a gear, and then I thought she can't go now because what chance would I have up the straight?
“I took my time because it's a long way up there in that gruelling ground.
“It's great as she has a nice pedigree, she is out of a half-sister to Ballabriggs.
“She was second in a point last year but just took a while to come to hand this year.
“A few of mine were way off in November/December but we think they've turned a corner. Hopefully we can drive on into the new Flat season as they showing a bit more and grubbing better.
“They were very wrong coming into Christmas and the back end of the Flat season. That's our first winner in a while, since I rode a winner at Catterick in mid-December.
“We haven't run loads but we will from here on.
“I'm enjoying the riding. I'm not going to ride them all or anything like it but I enjoyed that there.
“I ride two lots of work everyday, it keeps me fit and my eye in. I'll tick away, I'm not sure I'll see a fence though!
“I'll have the pick of my rides. Thanks to the owners for letting me do it and I've no issue if any owner wants any certain jockey.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
