Former Bleeder Connemara Bay Wins Fresh
- Wednesday, 19 May 2010 05:16
A three month lay-off following a bleeding attack proved just the tonic today with Connemara Bay winning the $30,000 Betfair Handicap (1200m) at Betfair Park.
Connemara Bay ($21) was ridden positively from the gates by Glen Boss on a track that had been favouring horses on the pace.
Approaching the long run home it looked clear that very little was making ground and Boss was able to grind away on the rails to defeat Miss Inform ($10,$11,$10) by just over a length on the line with Madam Prosecutor ($26,$31) a further two and a half lengths away third.
It was clear many had written the ultra-consistent filly off in the betting ring with the $21 not fitting for the first up city winner formerly trained by Barry Barnes but now in the hands of experienced horseman Pat Hyland.
Hyland was more confident than the punters that the daughter of Lion Heart would return to her best following a bleeding imposed ban but admitted its still a matter of crossing your fingers.
"Really you just show them a lot of love and then hope they come back," said Hyland with a smile from ear to ear.
"But I haven't had her for long and she was going nicely for Barry before he retired and that's how I came about getting her."
Hyland observed that the bleeding attack may have been a blessing in disguise for the three-year-old giving her the freshen up she needed.
"The bleeding attack might have helped her because she had to have a long break and she looks to have found a bit for it," said Hyland.
It was the second leg of a riding double for Boss who, whilst aware the track was favouring leaders, highlighted the filly's lack of condition.
"She needed the run today," said Boss.
"Pat and I spoke about her being a bit big in the yard so she will improve on that you would think."
Photos by Sportpix
