THE purists might be turning in their graves but yesterday’s Specsavers Ulster Derby thrilled the big Down Royal crowd and turned into a memorable career landmark for Ger Lyons and Padraig Beggy.
This race has long struggled to attract enough horses to justify its title — fields of only three or four used to be commonplace — and 11 years ago it was run as a handicap for the first time, and the following year older horses were also allowed to run. Sadly there was not a single member of the Classic generation in yesterday’s field.
But this is still Northern Ireland’s richest Flat race and the packed stands cheered the 13 runners even as they left the stalls. They were making even more noise when the runners came down the hill towards the straight with Cloone River looking like justifying 7-2 favouritism. But, just as they were starting to count their winnings, Beggy appeared from nowhere on Green Lassy to spoil the party. He hit the front half a furlong out and was waving his whip in triumph as he passed the post two lengths clear.
“They went a right gallop and when they quickened my filly was on her head,” said Beggy, an 18-year-old riding his 10th winner. “I decided to take my time and with less than four furlongs to run I was well back. But once she started to run I always thought I was going to get there.”
The 12-1 winner carries the colours of Ratoath-based building contractor Pat McGahern and was bought for him for 35,000 guineas at the Newmarket December Sales by Rory Mahon. “The French trainer who had her sent me a fax saying she would win,” said Mahon, who also looks after Sean Coughlan’s horses.
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Mahon put her in foal to High Chaparral and sent her to Ger Lyons to try to win a race with her. This was her second win in succession and the most valuable Flat success for the ex-jump jockey, who started training nearly 10 years ago.
“She has been a pleasure to train and has kept on improving. I just wish I had two or three more like her,” said Lyons. “I was setting up In Theory for this but he went lame so I decided to aim Green Lassy at it instead. I wish I had her for the rest of the season but she is going to be retired to the paddocks, if not tomorrow, certainly on Monday.”
Beggy initiated his first double when Tubbertown Rose finished fast on the stands side to snatch the Compass Windows Handicap in the final stride and cheer up Peter Casey. “I lost her full sister Elbeo’s Dream earlier in the year when I sent her to be covered. She died at the stud and I haven’t got over it yet,” said the trainer.
Diego Dias, who rode 96 winners in his native Brazil, scored at his fifth Irish attempt when Elva Express just held on in the Eastwood Bookmakers Handicap. “I came over 18 months ago to join this horse’s trainer Joe Quinn in Co Clare,” said Dias.