Hat-trick joy for Larkin and Co
Adam Larkin, John Larkin (trainer), Amanda Larkin, Breen White, Lynda White, Lydia and Bernard White with Bay of Kotor and winning jockey Andrew Lynch following their Fairyhouse triumph. Picture: Healy Racing
THE John Larkin-trained Bay of Kotor gave connections the ideal Christmas gift, pulling off a remarkable hat-trick of handicap wins over the festive season.
The progressive five year-old secured his first ever victory from 11 starts at Fairyhouse on December 17th and - clearly enjoying life in the winners enclosure - he scored again at Navan 48 hours later, before completing the impressive treble at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day.
The big breakthrough at Fairyhouse was Bay of Kotor's seventh run for Larkin, but he made steady progress throughout 2011 and offered a sign of things to come with a second at Gowran Park behind Buck Breeze.
That was Andrew Thornton's first race on board, but he missed his first win at Fairyhouse a month later as Andrew Lynch took the reins for a three-quarter length success over Ferry Point, with previous conquerer and race favourite, Buck Breeze, in fourth.
The rapid improvment continued as Larkin opted to strike while the iron was hot, and despite carrying a six-pound penalty his rising star cruised to an impressive five-length win over Lily white dancer at Navan on the 19th.
A 9/4 favourite that day, Bay of Kotor was an even-money shot for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day and he didn't disappoint favourite backers, coming home with nine lengths to spare over second-placed Storm Breaker.
Now one of the hottest prospects in Larkin's Togher-based yard, Bay Of Kotor is owned by Breen White, whose parents Bernard and Lydia hail from Dundalk.
All concerned will be looking forward to a big day out at Leopardstown at the end of the month when Bay of Kotor takes a considerable step up to tackle the Boylesports.com Handicap Hurdle (formerly the MCR Hurdle) on the 28th.
- JOHN SAVAGE
