Disappointing Debut for Feronily
Punters were left stunned at Galway Races as JP McManus' recent high-priced acquisition, Feronily, suffered a surprise loss in the Mongey Communications Chase. The Grade 1-winning chaser was expected to make a strong debut, but was outrun by the well-supported My Design.
Concerns Over 'Rancid Drift'
Before the race, keen-eyed punters noticed a sharp drift in odds for Feronily. Described as a 'rancid drift', the horse's odds shifted from an initial 2-9 to 1-2 just before the race began. The unexpected change raised concerns among bettors about Feronily's prospects.
Promising Campaign & Expectations
Feronily had an impressive campaign last season, winning the Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival after running in a bumper just months before. With high hopes for his debut in the green and gold silks, many anticipated a strong performance at Galway.
Factors Contributing to the Loss
Despite the defeat, Feronily didn't perform poorly. Observers noted that the horse appeared to be carrying some extra weight in the ring, which may have affected his performance. Additionally, Feronily was hampered by another horse's jockey, Jack Kennedy, two fences from home. Jockey Mark Walsh expressed satisfaction with the run and expects Feronily to improve with more competitive outings.
Punters Speculate on McManus' Purchase
Following Feronily's loss, punters took to social media to share their thoughts. Some questioned whether JP McManus had made a poor investment, while others expressed doubt about Feronily's potential for the season. With a Grade 1 chaser potentially selling for £300-£400,000, some hoped that McManus had kept the receipt for this particular purchase.
