Rebel Fitz, winner of the Galway Hurdle last Thursday in the City of the Tribes, got a hero’s welcome on his return to Kanturk at the weekend, and was paraded before an appreciative crowd at Cork Racecourse, Mallow on Monday, where presen-tations were made to the owners, the Sweetnam family, trainer Tony Winters and jockey Davy Russell.
Thursday’s win was the source of extraordinary scenes as the winning trainer was carried shoulder high into the winner’s enclosure, and Ballybrit Racecourse echoed to the noise of cheering Kanturk supporters. It was a fantastic win, though jockey Davy Russell very nearly lost the race due to celebrating too early. Well clear coming to the finishing post, Russell began celebrating, unaware that Gordon Elliott on ‘Cause of Clauses’ was closing fast. Thankfully, however, the line came too soon for Elliott, and Rebel Fitz and a relieved Davy Russell were declared winners. Monday’s presentation at the Mallow racecourse was a happy affair, with the Sweetnam and Winters families getting a great reception from the assembled racing fans. In attendance and adding a dash of glamour was Cork Rose Bríd Ryan.Tony Winters did a Formula One on it by showering all and sundry with champagne. Also, following Davy Russell’s comment that he deserved “a kick up the arse” for almost losing the race, Tony Winters caught him in a headlock and his brother Mick Winters applied the boot to his posterior, to the great amusement of everyone watching. Congratulations to all involved on a wonderful victory.