Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- Home
- News
Michael Graham
Akatara at last!
Akatara, right, comes with a late rattle at Kilbeggan
© Photo Healy Racing
Doubtless there was in-running carnage as Akatara came from another parish to win on the line in the three mile handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan. Derrinlanna and Excellent As Usual were fully 10 lengths clear jumping two out. Excellent As Usual then moved into the lead after the last and had the race at his mercy.
However, he tied up markedly on the climb to the line allowing Akatara (8/1) and Mimi And Bow (11/1) to swoop and flash past the line together.
There was a neck in it, with Michael Bowe’s charge declared the winner, partnered by Brian Hayes.
Remarkably the six-year-old mare was winning for the first time on her 37th start. Referring to that, Michael Bowe said: “I finally found the key to her and that’s to run her every second day! [fourth at Tramore on Friday evening].
“I’m not in the habit of running them again so quickly, but she’s a bit different. We’ll keep her on the go for the summer now.
“Brian thinks that she’ll make a fabulous chaser. She’s an Aga Khan bred.”
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy