Fields Of Omagh Makes Stunning Return

Sunday, 11 August 2002 00:00

Lindsay Park's head trainer Tony McEvoy was nearly speechless after the dynamic win of his talented gelding Fields of Omagh in this afternoon's Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington.

McEvoy was expecting Fields of Omagh to finish powerfully in today's 1200 metre feature event but not quite as much as he did.

"What a sensational return," McEvoy said. "We expected him to finish strongly and maybe finish in a place, but I'm really thrilled with that effort."

It was a sizzling return for Fields of Omagh who'd been off the scene after an injury scare since winning the Group Three Eclipse Stakes.

"He had damaged his suspensory ligament and because he was such a promising horse we decided it was best to get him fully recovered before returning," McEvoy reported.

A gelding by Australia's hottest sire Rubiton, Fields of Omagh has now won seven consecutive races and he's on track for a lucrative spring.

"We'd be aiming him at the Caulfield Cup later on, but the immediate plans will probably have to change now after his win today," McEvoy added.

Lindsay Park had planned to run Fields of Omagh in a "couple of handicaps" in the lead up to the big ones in the spring, but he was now most likely heading for a weight-for-age event.

"There's a couple of weeks to decide but we could head to the Memsie or the Liston with him now. He would get weighted out of handicaps otherwise."

In the run to the line Fields of Omagh booted clear to beat the grey Pindi Ridge by a length and a quarter. Gypsy Lad was the first horse home on the inside of the track finishing third, a further neck back.

The other runner to catch the eye was Magical Miss, who rattled home on the outside for fourth. She was having her first start since her runaway win in the Victoria Oaks in November.

The well fancied favourite Prince Rubiton was up there in the lead on the inside division and finished in fifth place. He was second home on the inside behind Gypsy Lad.

It was a welcome change of luck for McEvoy who was shattered after the tragic death of the promising four-year-old mare Kasi Haraka.

A former sale topper as a yearling, by Rory's Jester and a half sister to Nina Haraka, the grey collapsed shortly after the finishing line from a suspected heart attack.

"It's a great shame," a dejected McEvoy said. "She was performing so well at home and she had a lot of ability."

PICS - Quentin Lang.