Kopek Des Bordes 'the talk of the place' at Fairyhouse
Kopek Des Bordes was ‘the talk of the place' at Fairyhouse Racecourse after taking a major win in the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper.
Owned by Monabeg Investments Limited, of which local insurance broker Charlie McCarthy is a member, the newcomer was under the watch of champion trainer, Willie Mullins and was said to have had 'an easy race’, starting the race as 15/8 favourite.
“I knew I had something good, but I didn’t realise how good. It was brilliant. I couldn’t believe how easily he won. It was the talk of the place," Mr McCarthy told TheAvondhu. “They’re talking in two years time he could win the Champion Hurdle. That’s the way we feel about him”.
A Derby sale graduate and son of No Risk At All, Kopek Des Bordes ran out a 13-length winner, pocketing €60,000 for his connections.
Purchased for €130,000 at the 2023 Derby sale, the fouryear-old held his own tracking the leaders before taking the lead and stretching clear for the final run.
“Willie (Mullins) told me six months ago he’d win that race and did he win it? He didn’t half win it! Afterwards, you wouldn’t believe it, the amount of people celebrating,” Mr McCarthy added.
'YOU'LL SEE THIS FELLA AGAIN'
Trainer Willie Mullins sais he 'looks a nice type'.
"He worked well at home and showed today that his homework was right. We’ll see if we go to Punchestown — maybe not as it might be too much to ask him. He’s a lovely type for the future".
Ridden by Patrick Mullins, Kopek Des Bordes has a bright future ahead, as Mr McCarthy and Monabeg Investments Limited hope to see more success from the horse. “I knew he’d win four days before the race. Willie had three in the race and Patrick, his son, chose to ride my horse. I said, 'this must be the best of the three he has'.
“I think we’re going to have great days, you’ll see this fella again, he’ll be in Cheltenham next!” a delighted Mr McCarthy said.