Happy Jacky defies hefty penalty at Clonmel

CREPELLO

 

Happy Jacky from the Ray Hackett stable, who was handed a 12lb penalty for his impressive victory at Ballinrobe, made light of the burden when he battled well to land the extended two mile 80-101 handicap hurdle at Clonmel on Thursday.

With Katie O'Farrell off setting the 12lb penalty by claiming an invaluable 5lb riding allowance, the Milan gelding was sent to post a well supported 7/4 favourite. Ms O'Farrell was content to track the leaders early on but had improved to be right on the premises turning to face the judge. At this point Alice Johnston had taken over but Happy Jacky was produced to challenge after the second last flight and from there he found plenty to defeat the former by two and a half lengths.

In his post race remarks Ray Hackett revealed that the trip was on the short side for his charge but since it was his last chance to run in in that particular grade he was allowed to take his chance. A pop over a fence or two is now on the cards for the Paddy Ryan owned and bred gelding. He is not a winter horse but since he is only a five-year-old he has plenty of time to make his mark over the larger obstacles if connections decide to go down that route.

 

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