Emotional Richard Fahey thrilled to win Beverley race remembering Laura Barry
Richard Fahey has won thousands of races, including some at the highest level, but few can have given him as much pride and delight as Pacino's victory in Wednesday's 7½f handicap at Beverley, which was run in memory of the late Laura Barry, who used to ride for the trainer.
Barry, who rode 18 winners from 193 rides, tragically died at the age of 25 from cancer the day before her wedding in July.
She was due to marry Ben Hamilton, whose brother Tony – in the most emotional of twists – did the steering on Pacino, one of two runners for Fahey, who said: "It was a race we ran two with a chance in and it's grand to win it, fantastic.
"We didn't think there was much between Pacino and Lightning Attack, but I suppose the bookies sometimes think when Paul's [Hanagan] on one the other should be double the price.
"But it was a race we were desperate to win. Ben was engaged to Laura, so it'll be a little emotional I'm afraid; well I'm not afraid, I'm delighted."
Barry started suffering pain in her left leg in 2016 and was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – a rare type of cancer – on her L4 nerve duct. The tumour was treated but returned on her L5.
She suffered paralysis in her left leg from the hip downwards, and with no available chemotherapy specific to her cancer it spread to other organs.
"It's not easy making a plan like this, but it's amazing how many times it comes off and it's a good result for everyone," an emotional Fahey added.
"Laura is much missed and was a super girl. When I saw the race I nearly ran three in it, but we had it covered with two, so it's grand."
For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app
Published on 17 April 2019inNews
Last updated 20:25, 17 April 2019
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Kieran Shoemark lands another plum Meydan ride for Gosden stable on Trawlerman in Saturday's Dubai Gold Cup
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Kieran Shoemark lands another plum Meydan ride for Gosden stable on Trawlerman in Saturday's Dubai Gold Cup