Sir Frederick rises to the occasion in Plate romp
Sir Frederick is owned by the seven-member Seven Heads Syndicate, with one of the team, Paddy Whelton, declaring: “Six of us are from Barryroe and one from Kildare and he’s married to a Barryroe woman.”
For Mallow handler Burke it was the biggest win of his career and a superb training performance on his part.
After the Insan gelding had won at Clonmel way back in April, Burke made the decision there and then to keep his charge fresh and to train him exclusively for the Plate.
Explained Burke: “I gave him a break and then brought him back in. I was tempted to run him, but resisted.”
Sir Frederick struggled in the early part of the contest, but ice-cool Coleman didn’t panic and worked into the race as it developed.
He had wasted hard for some ten days in order to do the weight and was handsomely rewarded for his professionalism.
Said Coleman (21), who comes from Innishannon and who was having his first ride in the Plate: “He didn’t jump great over the first five fences. But Liam had the horse in great shape and I’ve never seen him looking better.
“He pinged the fence past the stands and then took hold of the bridle. I kept pulling him back and didn’t want to hit the front too soon.”
The ninth fence was important. Trail-blazing Baily Breeze fell here and brought down Hoo La Baloo, who was close up.
Conna Castle, the well-backed favourite, was never travelling particularly well anyway, but a blunder here ended his flickering hopes. He was subsequently found to be clinically abnormal.
Heading to the second last it was Ballyagran who hit the front. By now, though, Sir Frederick was in full flow, as Coleman allowed himself a little glance behind.
What he saw had to please him, as he prepared to take aim at Ballyagran. Patiently he sat and then, finally, took Paul Carberry on Ballyagran out of his misery.
Coleman asked his charge to buckle down and wasn’t disappointed by the response. Sir Frederick found loads, powered ahead over a furlong out and crossed the line comfortably three lengths to the good.
There followed scenes of wild jubilation by men who love the game and can be seen all over the country enjoying their favourite sport.
Said Burke: “I am delighted for the boys, they are all great sportsmen and will enjoy this. Kevin gave him a great ride and did really well to do the weight.
“The Dennys at Tralee will be next, followed by the Kerry National at Listowel. In time, I could see him being an Irish Grand National horse and, maybe, he might even go to Aintree.”
Sir Frederick was bought at Tattersalls at Fairyhouse by Burke and Willie O’Neill for €30,000.
O’Neill is very well known in racing circles and has had his Cork red and white colours carried by many horses over the years. His best was possibly Inch Pride.
Densy Whelton, spokesman for the Syndicate, said: “This is unbelievable and means everything to us. There will be some celebration tonight.
“It is all down to Liam Burke, he had him spot-on for the day and Kevin gave him a great ride.”
Ballyagran stayed on for second, with Cool Running producing the display of his life in third, but just finding the hill a bit much. Ansar, as usual, ran his heart out to finish a gallant fourth off top weight.
