A dying wish came true in an emotional victory at the Galway Races on Thursday.
Owner Peter Newell passed away on Wednesday night but told his loved ones that he wanted his horse Surrounding to run at Ballybrit.
And the stars aligned at Galway as 10/1 shot Surrounding showed great grit to win the Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes.
READ MORE: Check out our horse racing section here
The horse's trainer Mick Halford told Irish-Racing.com that it was a very poignant victory for the mare.
“She's amazing. Her enthusiasm for it and her soundness is incredible,” said Halford.
“We've been having a very quiet year, the horses are healthy but we just didn't have that many.
“When I looked at the race, and she was drawn four, I thought she'd run her usual good race.
“Her owner unfortunately passed away during the night and I'd say she got a bit of help from somewhere.
“With the jockey getting a fall she got carried wide by the loose horse. I thought she was beat when Dermot's filly shot up the rail but she rallied again.
“Ronan gave her a great ride and she's all heart. I hope it helps lift the spirits of the Newell family a bit because Peter was a great supporter of ours and she's the best animal they bred in all their years breeding.
“She's very special to them and well have to mind her and put her first at all times.
“She had a great run the last day in Fairyhouse when the ground was probably a little bit faster than ideal for her.
“I thought the stiffer track would suit her. She's won here before and loves that hill, she just takes it on and is so game.
“It wasn't the biggest surprise in the world but when you're having the season we are having you need something just to change your luck.
“She's just incredible. We brought her back this year and they just said to me to see if I was happy with her.
“She was showing me all the right vibes at home. I ran her in Gowran, she finished fourth and showed she still wanted to do it.
“We said we'd pick a couple of races and thank God it worked out.”
READ NEXT:
Ronan Finn feels like Shamrock Rovers European adventure only starting
Galway Races day 3 race card and tips - full list of runners on Wednesday
-
Syndicate celebrate as their runner wins feature race at Galway after surviving broken-down horsebox
Amanda Serrano performs Croke Park U-turn as she blasts Katie Taylor decision
Donegal GAA chiefs told to give vacant manager's job to Jim McGuinness
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
