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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Countess springs shock in opener

Fri 16th Sep 2016, 14:22

Countess Guiccioli beats Gifted Lady Countess Guiccioli beats Gifted Lady
© Photo Healy Racing

The John Hassett-trained Countess Guiccioli sprang a big shock in the opener at Listowel this afternoon when taking the Old Castle Median Auction Maiden at 40/1.

The well-backed Gifted Lady (12/1 into 5/1) looked booked for victory when sweeping into the lead turning for home in the seven-furlong contest.

She was chased down inside the final furlong by Countess Guiccioli and Rory Cleary, however, as that pair got up close home to land the spoils.

The winner had only beaten one home at Galway on her previous outing and was also well held when fifth of eight on her debut at Tipperary.

"She got wound up when she ran at Tipperary and I thought she mightn't handle the ground but she did,” said Hassett.

"She could go for a nursery next." Itsalonglongroad was sent to post 15/8 favourite but faded turning in after making the running and was eased to finish with one behind. Simafar blew the start before staying on in the closing stages to take fourth.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)

1st
40/1
Tote €44.00 €10.00
2nd
0.75L
5/1
€1.90
3rd
2.25L
11/2
€1.70
4th
0.5L
5/1
bf
2.5L
15/8Fav
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.