Jarlath Fahey has Sea The Lion ready for the Sky Bet Ebor
It’s a plan that’s been a year in the making and Jarlath Fahey can’t wait to unleash stable star Sea The Lion on next week’s Sky Bet Ebor at York.
The seven-year-old will roll into the Knavesmire on the back of three successive victories this term and we already know this isn’t a team to underestimate.
Remember Jennies Jewel? Fahey will never forget her having landed the 2016 Ascot Stakes at the Royal Meeting.
A day to savour – as will be the trip to York.
“It was around last year, after he won the Ragusah Handicap, that the joint-owner called me and said it would be lovely if we had a horse good enough to go for an Ebor. It’s one of those races that was always in the back of his mind as one he’d love to have a runner in. Dreams come true and we are nearly there.”
They’re more than that. Sea The Lion arrives at York on a four-timer. He’s not flash, he’s not high-profile, but he has that invaluable habit of delivering when it matters and is on the upgrade. The sponsors make him a 16/1 chance.
"This year he had a normal winter break and came back sharp in his mind. There was more buzz about him this year and I was thinking early on he was a good as he was last year – if not a bit better," the trainer said.
"Mentally he was more astute and he won first time out. We knew he was fit and ready but we weren’t expecting him to win that day.
"We went into the next two races thinking we had a good chance and were there to be beaten rather than to get beaten. Ronan Whelan said he just did enough to win on both days – by a neck and a nose.
"If you add up all his career winning distances it would only come to about three lengths. He only does what he has to do. We’re hoping it stands him in good stead at York as he needs to find another level again."
That is no exaggeration. Sea The Lion runs in the Sky Bet Ebor from an 11 pounds higher mark than the one he defied to win at the Curragh in June. It’s a double-edged sword for the affable Fahey though – without such a hefty hike he wouldn’t have got into the race.
"It’s better to be in – if you’re not in you definitely cant win," he smiled. "Whether he can defy an 11lb pounds rise we don’t know. He’s a fine, big, strong horse. You wouldn’t say weight will stop him and he runs on a quick surface which helps. He’s fit and well and good enough to be in the race.
"The track will be ideal. The reason he hasn’t run since the Curragh is a lot of our tracks are undulating and up and down, twists and turns. We prefer to keep him on a level surface with the leg problems he’s had in the past.
"I've never been to York but I’m told the track will absolutely suit him. He’s in prime condition too."
Sea The Lion is versatile tactically and Ronan Whelan, his regular rider, won’t have a long list of instructions to work through before heading to the start.
"He races lazily so you have to get him going from the stalls. It depends on the pace. Hsi wins this season have been over a mile-and-a-half and the extra two furlongs are going to really suit him at York," Fahey said.
"If improvement is going to come anywhere you’d’ think it’s the trip that will bring it about. He’s an easy-going horse who will do what you want him to do. What he does very well is when Ronan asks him to find then he will – it’s his best quality."
It isn’t the prize-money, the prestige or even the challenge that will send Fahey and his family over the Irish Sea next week. It’s a passion for the sport and the chance to do something that will stay with them forever.
"To have had a Royal Ascot winner was great – as would be training an Ebor winner. They’re wonderful things to put on the CV. We’re a family affair, my wife and daughters, we all go over. We'll have a couple of days in York and will love the atmosphere and build up.
"It’s creating memories that people in racing, who’ve spent an awful lot more than we have, will never create. Memories will always be with you. The races will come and go, the prize money will eventually go, but the memories will always be there. Sitting back in the rocking chair you’ll wonder – did we really do that?
"It’s as much a hobby as a business for us and if you don’t enjoy your hobby then get another one."
There’s no danger of Jarlath Fahey doing that any time soon. Here's hoping Sea The Lion roars once again up the long York straight. No team would deserve it more – and none will have worked harder for it.
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