Luck of the Irish for veteran sprinter
Irish Constabulary (centre) gets his chance for his biggest win in the Healy Stakes at Doomben.
The Sheila Laxon and John Symons training combination’s renowned ability with veteran horses will get another test at Doomben.
The pair will saddle nine-year-old Irish Constabulary in Saturday’s Group Three W J Healy Stakes (1200m).
Laxon and Symons won the $100,000 Stayers Final at Ipswich last Saturday with another nine-year-old, I Feel Good.
Irish Constabulary has been a true test of their patience because an ownership dispute meant he didn’t race until he was seven.
Since then he has won 10 races and $424,000 prize money.
Irish Constabulary showed he was up to top company when he was fourth to The Monstar in the Group Two Moreton Cup at Caloundra two weeks ago.
Eight of Irish Constabulary’s wins have been on rain affected tracks but he has won twice on dry tracks.
“There is only one way to describe him and that is tough and honest,” Symons said.
In-form jockey Michael Hellyer, who won on I Feel Good, has the ride on Irish Constabulary.