Cosmic Vega, far side, wins a driving finish© Photo Healy Racing
Cosmic Vega sprang a 14/1 surprise in the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes at Naas to seal the alliance between trainers Mick Halford and Tracey Collins.
The duo have joined forces this season and this was the first success under the joint licence.
Cosmic Vega tracked American Kestrel at the halfway stage of this seven-furlong assignment and took a narrow lead at the two pole.
He was ridden by Ronan Whelan to try and go for home over a furlong out, but the pair had plenty of horses within striking distance.
Cosmic Vega kept finding along the rail and, although strongly pressed in the closing stages by Sharlouk (6/1), held on by a diminishing short head. New Energy the 5/2 favourite, picked up late and ran on for third.
“He was all heart and he got a brilliant ride, Ronan is riding out of his skin,” said Halford.
“I'm thrilled for myself and Tracey, it's a great start. We've had to be patient.
“I had to walk the track before I decided to run him or not. It was a close call, but thankfully the owners said that they'd go with my decision. For once we got it right.
“In fairness to Naas, they've done a wonderful job and the ground was beautiful today with a great covering of grass.
“His best form is probably on a turn with a dig in the ground, so I'd be thinking about the Listed race in Killarney for him. I'm not sure about the hustle bustle of Ascot for him.
“Ronan is a very underestimated rider - I don't think any more, though. He's a world-class jockey and just needs the opportunities as he's proved with Skitter Skatter and a few other horses. He rode a great race for Jessie (Harrington) during the week in York.
“We're delighted to have him, he's a big part of our team and he's a big team player."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
