Vodka Society and Sean O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
The subject of a running and riding enquiry last time when the explanations of connections were ‘noted,’ Vodka Society today shed his maiden tag at the age of twelve, in race two at Fairyhouse.
Having just his 13th start all told, in this Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase, David Dunne’s charge went off an 18/1 chance to beat thirteen rivals.
With Sean O’Keeffe doing a good impression of Paul Carberry or Denis O’Regan, the 76-rated veteran, backed at bigger prices earlier, cruised up with his bid in the straight.
Once safely out over the last the local runner went away to account for Highest Benefit and The Inbetween by fifteen lengths and half a length.
“That's what he's been showing me at home for the last few years. He's been very difficult to train,” said Dunne.
“He used to lose his races in the horsebox. The only glimmer of hope I had was the race he ran in Punchestown a few years ago (sixth to Ballyoisin). If he hadn't run that race I'd have pulled the plug with him.
“I actually trotted him up to the track today to just take it out of his head about the horsebox, so that he didn't have the race run before we got him here.
“We kept him away from the other horses. After he got microchipped and checked by the vets he went back out.
“He has a phobia of everything, he's a wimp!
“He's had a few jobs done on him as well. The back man did a great job on him after he ran the last day.
“I noticed he was jumping to the left then. He's such a good mover at home that you'd never think he'd need anything done but he did loads to work on his pelvis and back. He jumped so fluent today.”
These colours, those of Paul Dunne, uncle of the winning trainer, were carried to a 100/1 win when Department Of War triumphed at Down Royal in January.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kristian Goingwel trained by Oliver McKiernan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
(GC & EM)
