Trainer Mark Fahey, recognized as one of Ireland’s sharpest young trainers, is setting his sights high for the upcoming racing season, with aspirations for both his hurdler Flicker Of Hope and his promising flat horse Tina’s Indian. Fahey is preparing Flicker Of Hope for his debut at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, while holding onto the dream of a Royal Ascot appearance for Tina’s Indian.
Flicker Of Hope’s Cheltenham Challenge
Flicker Of Hope is set to become Fahey’s first runner at the Cheltenham Festival, competing in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. The six-year-old, a four-time winner, is currently available at odds of 14-1. Fahey expressed his optimism, highlighting Flicker Of Hope’s suitability for the race. “Everyone keeps telling me that Flicker Of Hope has the right profile for the Albert Bartlett,” Fahey stated. “He has had 10 runs over hurdles, which is nearly unheard of for a novice. He is hardened over the trip and has major handicap experience which should stand to him in a race like the Albert Bartlett.” He added, “He jumps, he travels and he doesn’t seem to stop so we’re looking forward to getting over there and hopefully he can put up a big performance. It would be a dream to get placed and walk back into the winner’s enclosure with him. And I think he has a chance of doing that. I really do.”
Tina’s Indian: A Flat Star in the Making
On the flat racing front, Tina’s Indian has emerged as a potential star. After a successful maiden victory, the horse is on track to make his seasonal return in the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh. Fahey sees this as a crucial indicator for the horse’s future. “The plan is to go for the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh and, basically, I am a small trainer and I don’t have lots of black-type horses on the Flat so how we run in the Gladness will dictate where we go for the rest of the year,” he explained. “I don’t have horses rated 100 that we can get a gauge off so we won’t know how good Tina’s Indian is until we put him in a Listed race. The dream is Royal Ascot. That would be the ultimate. He’s definitely the best Flat horse I’ve ever had in my yard.” Fahey also highlighted the value of feedback from experienced jockeys Shane Foley and Ronan Whelan, who ride horses of Tina’s Indian’s caliber regularly. He described the horse as a “gorgeous, big horse – he’s 17 hands high,” which contributed to the time taken for his development.
A Supportive Environment for Success
Fahey attributes his stable’s success not only to talented horses but also to a strong support system. “You need good owners, good staff and nice horses and at the moment I have all three,” he asserted. He praised his “great staff and great family and friends around me” and credited his owners for their trust and support. The acquisition of Tina’s Indian was also a matter of luck, as the horse didn’t sell as a yearling. Despite significant offers after his maiden win, owners Con Harrington and James Hughes opted to race him, a decision Fahey respects. “Con and James are sporting fellas and we’re all fairly excited about what could be in store,” Fahey noted. “They are dreaming just as much as I am with Tina’s Indian, but they understand the game better than anyone and know that the bubble could burst fairly lively!”
Fahey is optimistic about uncovering Tina’s Indian’s full potential this season, emphasizing that he is “definitely the best Flat horse I’ve ever had anything to do with.” The stable’s current success, with 11 winners over jumps already surpassing last season’s tally and a career-high 13 flat winners last year, underscores Fahey’s rising prominence in the racing world.
