Oh My Word, trained by Tom Cleary, has earned a place among the elite contenders in the Irish Stallion Farm EBF Future Champions INH Flat Races at Navan. The Listed race features just four entrants, with trainer Gordon Elliott dominating the event by winning eight of the last nine years, including standout horses like Samcro (2016), Envoi Allen (2018), and Sir Gerhardt (2020).
Punjandrum, who had a narrow victory in his impressive debut at Clonmel, was the sole representative from Clentra after stablemate Keephim Company was withdrawn. Despite his best efforts, Punjandrum was no match for the dominant winner. Oh My Word stunned with a 33-1 upset at the same course just four weeks ago, proving his ability was genuine. Alongside 6-4 favorite Punjandrum, he took the lead from the home turn with jockey Derek O’Connor driving hard, finishing ahead by 11 lengths at 11-4 odds.
Athlone-based Cleary praised Oh My Word, calling him a lovely horse who has improved since his last run. He also highlighted the jockey’s skill and favorable track conditions that contributed to the win. Cleary added it was his first Listed race win, marking a significant milestone.
Following this victory, Paddy Power has cut Oh My Word’s odds for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham from 40-1 to 20-1. When asked about targeting the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown, Cleary said there were no immediate plans, noting the owner Mr. Ross was away in America.
Though Elliott didn’t win the main event, he celebrated a win with Spinola Bay, who claimed the Irish Stallion Farm EBF Handicap Hurdle comfortably under Sam Ewing. Elliott admitted the horse had some mistakes but was well-handicapped and had taken time to mature due to being physically weak.
Trainer Martin Hassett enjoyed a double victory with Battle of Ridgway (6-1) and Soloman Lane (22-1). Both horses’ jockey, Liam McKenna, claimed his first-ever double, describing Battle of Ridgway as a straightforward horse who needs to be right to win, and noting Soloman Lane was in great shape after a recent run.
In the EBF Handicap Hurdle, Quest for Speed beat Shark Hanlon and Gavin Bruder at 40-1 odds. The horse’s trainer mentioned the horse’s upcoming run at Limerick during Christmas and noted a weight difference advantage over hurdles.
Ross O’Sullivan’s Found A Diamond (11-2), managed by Shane Markey, took victory, while Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue teamed up to win with Lovely Man (5-1), with stablemate Eavis Vladimir finishing second.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights emerging talents like Oh My Word, potentially reshaping the future landscape of the sport. It showcases promising trainers and horses that could soon dominate top-tier races, adding fresh excitement and competitive depth to the racing scene.
