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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Zoffanien lands Killarney gamble for Hogan

Thu 14th Jul 2022, 19:55

Zoffanien won for Denis Hogan Zoffanien won for Denis Hogan
© Photo Healy Racing

Zoffanien easily justified a morning plunge when running out an impressive winner of the Oyster Tavern Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.

Available at 14-1 early doors, the Denis Hogan trained gelding was half those odds before racing got underway this evening, before being backed into 5-2 f at the off.

A dual winner in four-year-old hurdles last term, he had lost his way somewhat but had clearly been showing the right signs at home in the build-up to this race.

Held up by his trainer/rider in the initial stages, the Liam Mulryan owned horse made ground early in the straight, before taking over at the last hurdle. He quickened away on the run-in to win with something in hand.

Denis Hogan said; "the ride wasn't by design as I lost my position but it worked out well. He is a bit lairy but it is a big drop in grade for him. He had been running terribly all winter and we gave him a freshen up recently. He was a good juvenile but they get killed by the handicapper and was a victim of his own success. He paid the penalty for the last year and a half.

"I said to Liam (Mulryan) about riding him colder and he has been working really well. I haven't seen Liam at a racecourse for 10 years so when I saw him today I knew he fancied him too.

"I'm delighted for him as he has been a loyal supporter since I started training. He always has two or three in training with me and I enjoy talking to him regularly on the phone.

"Originally the plan was to go Galway but it was Liam who made this plan - he said 'everyone wants to go to Galway but Killarney would do me'."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
5/2Fav
Tote €3.80 €1.40
2nd
3.75L
7/2
€1.90
3rd
2.5L
12/1
€3.90
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.