Gypsy Island and Derek O'Connor© Photo Healy Racing
“That was good again and I can't believe it to be honest,” admitted trainer Peter Fahey after Gypsy Island continued her trajectory to the top in the Grade Three Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race at Punchestown.
A third winner on the day for J P McManus following on from Musical Slave (Philip Hobbs and Jonjo O'Neill Jr) and Elimay (Willie Mullins and Mark Walsh), Gypsy Island was partnered by Derek O'Connor.
As she's done in her other three successes to date, 11/10 favourite Gypsy Island again did so in style, by five lengths and four and three parts of a length from Daylight Katie and Minella Melody
“I rang Frank (Berry) on Monday morning and said I thought she was coming in season, which she was," further reflected Fahey.
“We got her scanned and in fairness everything worked out well. The vets at home did everything great and the lads at home I couldn't say enough good about.
“It was a serious performance and I actually can't wait to run her next year as she jumps hurdles well.
“She is a filly to look forward to. For a small yard like ours to have JP as an owner is exciting.
“Going by the stands I was thinking 'what's going on'. The plan going out was to settle her in and make sure she was switched off because she got very keen with Mark the first day over hurdles when he jumped her off a bit handy.
“I said to Derek to get her switched off a ride and race from there and if they were going steady get closer.
“I was thinking he was plenty far back, and they are going a gallop but Derek said once he got past the stands and started picking off a few she came alive and was travelling the whole way through.
“He thinks a lot of her and so do we at home.
“Turning in he said he got there way too soon again. He said you think you are a bit far out of your ground but then you give her a squeeze and the next minute she is gone.
“She'll never do a whole lot in front. We beat Willie's horse (Colreevy) by 11 lengths and she's after winning a Grade 1 so I was thinking it was more pressure so for her to go out and do it again is great.
“Fingers crossed she is sound afterwards and we have something to look forward to next year.”
The Stewards interviewed Mr N. McParlan, rider of Miss Honey Ryder concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr N. McParlan was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr N. McParlan for 2 racedays.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fag An Bealach trained by A.L.T.Moore, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Mr W. Biddick, rider of Hawthorn Cottage trained by Amy Murphy (in GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled at any time during this race.
(GC & EM)
