Ballyoisin and Darragh O'Keeffe © Photo Healy Racing
Darragh O'Keeffe shone on classy performer Ballyoisin as the talented claimer landed a big pot in JP McManus' colours in the Ladbrokes Ireland Listowel Handicap Hurdle.
Enda Bolger 's charge, better known as a classy two-mile chaser, was competing off a 26lb lower mark back over timber in the €100,000 contest.
Bolger entrusted 18-year-old O'Keeffe with the mount on his stable star and was repaid for his faith with a brave ride.
The 9/2 shot tanked in behind the leaders throughout in the two-miler but it all looked like it could go horribly wrong as he was squeezed up on the rail turning for home.
O'Keeffe drove his mount up the inner, however, and switched him out to challenge jumping the second last.
The seven-year-old hit the front before the final flight and had plenty in reserve to see off 5/2 favourite Shanning by length on the run-in.
O’Keeffe said afterwards:- “I was delighted that Enda and Mr McManus gave me the opportunity in a race like that, and they have been very good to me since I started riding.
“I rode my first winner in Killarney and that’s my biggest win. I was like a child in a candy shop yesterday when I saw my name down to ride him.
“He’s a very good horse and had the form to prove that as well.”
Bolger added:-“Frank (Berry) picked the race out. His chase wins this year were really good and he’s rated 157 over fences and 131 over hurdles so that was the reason and it was a great pot to get. He’s happier going left-handed.
“Darragh was a good pony race rider and he’s been with us now for the last 12 months. He’s getting plenty of experience over hurdles and fences, and he’s going the right way all right.
“He’ll probably go back over fences again, and may go for the two and a half mile race in Gowran. The only thing he doesn’t want is deep winter ground. We’ll see how we get on in Gowran and that could be him till the spring again.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
