Laid Back Luke not so laid back at Fairyhouse

Robbie Colgan landed a 40/1 winner at Fairyhouse today when he partnered the 13-year-old Laid Back Luke to a surprise victory in a handicap hurdle.

Laid Back Luke hadn't run since January 2019, but despite an absence of over two years duly delivered a winning performance.

Trained by Sheila Lavery near Summerhill, Laid Back Luke was brought out of semi-retirement for today's race at Fairyhouse.

It was kind of appropriate that some 19 years after he partnered his first winner, also at Fairyhouse, that Colgan should shape up for the approaching flat season with a winner over jumps.

That first winner for Colgan arrived at Fairyhouse in April 2002 for Monaghan trainer, the late Oliver Brady, with Flint Knapper over hurdles.

However, about three years ago Colgan made the decision to concentrate on flat racing with much encouragement from Sheila Lavery.

He duly tackled the issue of lower weights and it was Laid Back Luke that played a part in that transformation.

Robbie told the story to the Meath Chronicle last year.

“One day I had to ride a horse for Sheila called Laid Back Luke and he had 9-4.

"I got to the races and could do 9-0, the valet couldn't believe it.

"I was second that day in Clonmel in 2018, I sort of changed direection from there."

Today at Fairyhouse the trainer explained the Laid Back Luke appearance to irishracing.com

"We had semi-retired him but during the summer Robbie took him back into work even though we were so busy.

“He is the hardest horse to ride at home because he ducks and dives and spooks but he has been such a servant.”

"We should retire him and retire Robbie from the jumps as the flat season is starting soon.

"That was so exciting and we'll enjoy today,” she concluded.