Classic-winning jockey Micky Fenton celebrated his biggest training victory as Physique triumphed in the €100,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap at Galway.
Fenton, who won the 1000 Guineas on Speciosa in 2006, secured the services of Seamie Heffernan for the four-year-old. Employing his usual front-running tactics, which had previously led to near-misses at Killarney and Naas, Fenton’s horse held on to win at 9-1.
With a favourable draw in stall three, Heffernan quickly gained an early advantage but faced pressure as he entered the straight. Despite a strong challenge from Dunum and later from Hurricane Ivor, who fell short by half a length, Physique held firm.
Fenton reflected, “We were disappointed not to win last time, but today’s result is even better. Physique prefers to lead and gets agitated if held back. Seamie knows him well and managed to keep him going.”
“This is just my third win as a trainer, and I’m still in shock. It’s fantastic for the Sheehan family, who own the Grand Hotel in Killarney. Patsy Sheehan took over the horses from his late brother John, who was initially trained in the UK. John, who passed away from cancer, would be proud today.”