Hi Emperor, nearest camera, swoops late in the Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
Hi Emperor mowed down Akasaka close home to win the Marker Hotel Handicap in the Curragh for David Marnane and Fran Berry.
Akasaka and Caroline Murtagh looked to have seen off all challengers inside the final furlong, however, Berry galvanised his mount on the outside and the pair stormed home to win by a neck at 6/1. Akasaka was second at 10/1 while there was a dead heat for third involving In Salutem (16/1) and 10/1 shot Indian Landing
Successful trainer David Marnane said: “He was a little bit unlucky the last day. He’s been running well all year and he’s improving. He’s still a big clueless baby.
“He seemed to be better when he got out wide and got a clear run away from other horses. We’ll see what the handicapper does and we’ll look at the Cambridgeshire.”
Jockey Fran Berry said: “In fairness he did it well. He didn’t handle the track in Gowran at all. He’s 17 hands at least and as big a horse as I’ve ever ridden over this trip. He finished strongly the last day to pass eight or 10 horses and I thought dropping back a furlong would suit.
“We walked for the first three furlongs and I got left flatfooted. I had to sit and suffer, but when I switched out and passed a few horses he really motored. I knew I was getting there a furlong out, but whether I got there was another thing. He finished very well, he’s a progressive horse. He wants a good track, that’s the most important thing his other wins have been in Fairyhouse and Dundalk.”
Hi Emperor didn’t go unbacked having been 10/1 this morning before being returned 6/1.
The handicapper will be particularly pleased with how the race unfolded as the first nine home in this 11-runner race were separated by under three lengths.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
