Course specialist The Fonze strikes again

EOIN Doyle and Shay Barry started the New Year as they ended 2009, with a double at Tramore, highlighted by the victory of course specialist The Fonze in the featured Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Supporters Chase, a race in which he finished third last year.

The nine-year-old, recording his third course win, took command at the second last fence before beating Anothercoppercoast by four lengths with joint-favourite Snowy Morning third on a day when the meeting beat the arctic weather conditions after two inspections, thanks primarily to the foresight and dedication of Clerk of the Course Paddy Graffin, track Manager Sue Phelan and Chairman of the Stewards Nick Lambert.

The Doyle/Barry combination, successful with Sciatin and Without The Bop on Thursday, also clicked with Chebona Bula on a day when the trainer commented: “The horses weren’t right for a long time and I stopped running them. But this proves that they’re back.”